Incredible Zimbabwean master musician ‘Samaita’ Vitalis Botsa creates gorgeous waves of sound with his mbira to connect the living with the ancestors. He says, “I’m just the car, it’s the spirits doing the driving, making the music.” Botsa is visiting from his village in Zimbabwe to tour playing duets with Erica Azim,
presenting a very traditional form of the sacred music played in Zimbabwe for over 1,000 years.
Mbira is a musical instrument with metal keys plucked by two thumbs and one forefinger, creating relaxing yet invigorating polyphony and polyrhythm. Musicians play interlocking parts., and the tradition includes vast improvisation. Century after century, the mbira instrument and its repertoire of classic songs
have been used in Zimbabwe to heal the sick and call family ancestors and powerful tribal guardian spirits to earth to help the living, in night-long to weeklong ceremonies. Every time the mbira is played, it is considered a prayer to the ancestors, which will result in their protection of the living.
Community ensemble, Samanyanga Mbira Group will be playing outside the Recital Hall from 6:45 to 7:15 offering an up close look at the art of mbira.
Tickets
$15 General
$10 Seniors
Admission is free for all students with valid student ID, under 18 and Salem State faculty and staff - Valid student or faculty/staff ID must be presented at the door to receive free admission.
Parking for this concert is available in the campus lot located directly across the street from Loring Avenue.
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