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Writes Herzel Mushayabasa
With her mesmerizing blend of traditional Zimbabwean melodies and modern Afro-fusion beats, Mary Anibal is taking the music world by storm.
This award-winning singer, mbira player, and percussionist has come a long way since her humble beginnings as a session musician in 2016 with a string of show-stopping performances at prestigious festivals like HIFA, Jacaranda Music Festival, Habari Africa, and Sauti Za Busara, Mary Anibal has solidified her position as one of Africa’s most exciting new talents.
Her debut album, Maria Wenyu, released in September 2024, marks a major milestone as she gears up for an unforgettable performance at her upcoming show, “Nyimbo zaKwatu” (Our Music), slated for March 21, 2025.
This highly anticipated event promises to be an immersive experience, celebrating African culture, music, and women’s empowerment.
In an interview with the multi-talented artist, music educator, and EU Green and Gender Ambassador, Mary Anibal, she says the event is passionately dedicated to preserving and celebrating the essence of African culture in all its beauty. “Nyimbo zaKwatu (Our Music) offers a vibrant and immersive journey into Africa’s diverse and rich cultural heritage.
“This unique event invites audiences to experience the authentic rhythms, dances, and narratives of Zimbabwe and the broader African continent.”
“Through the power of music, Nyimbo zaKwatu weaves captivating stories that enlighten, entertain, and strengthen unity among families and communities.
“To also commemorate Women’s Month by promoting women’s small businesses and celebrating the achievements of women in the community. This event will provide a platform for women to showcase their talents, products, and services while creating opportunities for networking and empowerment,” she added.
This event holds special significance as it falls within Women’s Month, celebrated under the theme: ‘For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.’
“At ‘Nyimbo zaKwatu,’ I will take audiences on a captivating journey through Africa’s rich cultural heritage. The event will feature live performances by talented female artists, including Prudence Katomeni Mbofana and Batsirai Chigama,” added Mary Anibal.
The showcase will also include a women’s market, highlighting entrepreneurial talent and providing a platform for women-owned small businesses to display and sell their products and services.
Mary Anibal draws her inspiration from the music of Stella Chiweshe and Chiwoniso Maraire.
“Musically, my role models are the legendary Zimbabwean musicians, Chiwoniso Maraire and Stella Chiweshe. These two powerful women have inspired me with their unique talents, dedication, and passion for music. Chiwoniso Maraire, with her soulful voice and masterful mbira playing, has been a huge inspiration to me since high school. Her music seamlessly blended traditional Zimbabwean sounds with modern styles, creating a distinctive sound that captivated audiences worldwide.”
Stella Chiweshe, the “Queen of Mbira,” is another iconic figure who inspired Mary Anibal with her remarkable talent, resilience, and commitment to preserving Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage.
“Her music, deeply rooted in traditional Shona culture, has been a source of inspiration, and her determination to share her music with the world, despite facing numerous challenges, has motivated me to pursue my own musical dreams. What inspires me to keep going is the desire to follow in the footsteps of these two remarkable women, using my music to tell my own stories, inspire change, promote cultural exchange, and empower others.”
Mary Anibal’s “Nyimbo zaKwatu” is a testament to the power of music in promoting cultural exchange, social change, and women’s empowerment.
