Stella Rambisai Chiweshe Nekati popularly known as Mbuya Stella Chiweshe, was an award winning Zimbabwean musician who was one of few female Mbira players who played the mbira dzavadzimu, a traditional instrument of the Shona people of Zimbabwe in the 1960s. Chiweshe was born in Mujumi Village in Mhondoro where her great uncle taught her how to play after being turned away by numerous teachers because there were social taboos against women playing the instrument. Her recording career began in t... moreStella Rambisai Chiweshe Nekati popularly known as Mbuya Stella Chiweshe, was an award winning Zimbabwean musician who was one of few female Mbira players who played the mbira dzavadzimu, a traditional instrument of the Shona people of Zimbabwe in the 1960s. Chiweshe was born in Mujumi Village in Mhondoro where her great uncle taught her how to play after being turned away by numerous teachers because there were social taboos against women playing the instrument. Her recording career began in the 1970s with the release of her single Kasahwa in 1974. Her music supported nationalists, women's rights causes and the Zimbabwe liberation struggle against the British government. In 1981 Chiweshe joined the National Dance Company of Zimbabwe, playing the mbira, and toured with them internationally. She was instrumental in the creation of the Zimbabwe Musician Union. Chiweshe played internationally in German and in the WOMAD festival multiple times. She won numerous awards during her career including the Billboard Music Award in 1993 and National Arts Merit Award Lifetime Achievement Award. She will be remembered as one of the greatest Mbira musicians of her time.
