Mbavaira

Ephat Mujuru is a prominent figure among traditional musicians in Zimbabwe, representing a unique generation shaped by the country's historical events. Born during the colonial era in Southern Rhodesia, Ephat's upbringing coincided with the tumultuous 1970s liberation struggle and the subsequent independence of Zimbabwe. Guided by his grandfather, a revered spirit medium and mbira master, Ephat displayed early musical talent, participating in his first possession ceremony at the age of ten. Tragically, his grandfather fell victim to the violence of the guerilla war, marking a profound loss for the young musician. Amidst the political upheaval, mbira music took on a new significance, reflecting the spirit of independence and addressing themes of unity and healing in a nation striving to reconcile ethnic differences. Ephat and his band, Spirit of the People, initially released two acoustic albums, with "Mbavaira" from 1983 standing out as a particularly captivating and poignant record. As Zimbabwe transitioned into independence, commercial mbira releases became less common, making albums like "Mbavaira" increasingly rare in local record stores. Ephat later embraced electric instruments with subsequent albums, yet the raw energy and soulful vocals of Spirit of the People's early acoustic recordings remain unparalleled, capturing a unique moment in Zimbabwe's musical history.