Vakati Kurudzira

Those Who Have Inspired Us

Taireva

"We used to tell you," a traditional mbira piece from Zimbabwe.
arr: Sheree Seretse

Sawura Waka Deya Deya

"Choose one," a traditional children's song from Zimbabwe.
lead: Veronica Waters
arr: Sheree Seretse, inspired by a Dmitra Smith composition.
Real Audio sound clip

Bukatiende

"Wake up, let's go!" a traditional mbira piece from Zimbabwe. This piece is played early in the morning to prepare everyone for the arrival of the spirits.
arr: Sheree Seretse

Hondo

"War," a traditional mbira piece from Zimbabwe. We dedicate this piece to all the people who have gone through the traumatic experience of war--to those people who were forced to fight for their freedom. This is in recognition of your suffering and the many changes you have undergone. This is to all the children who did not survive the wars and to all the people who have lost loved ones. To all the people who entered this world of war with all their mental and physical capacities intact and who have come back displaced and/or dismembered. We honor and appreciate that your suffering was for us. It is your strength and courage that gives us hope and a vision for world peace.
lead: Karen Weisser
arr: Sheree Seretse

Amandla

"Power," a song is in honor of the people of South Africa. Amandla ama wethu--power to the people. May your strength and power dismantle the oppressive forces of apartheid.
composition: Sheree Seretse

Moyo Wangu

"My heart," based on a composition by Thomas Mapfumo, a contemporary Zimbabwean artist.
arr: Sheree Seretse

Hombi

"The baboon," in Shona culture represents an animal that looks playful on the outside, but better be taken seriously. Taking on the baboon is a bigger challenge than you realize.
arr: Dumisani Maraire

Taireva II

(See description above.) An arrangement with mbira and vocals.
Special thanks to Tom Styles, sound engineer, Joan Rabinowitz and the staff of the Jack Straw Foundation for the opportunity to record this version of Taireva.

Lead on all pieces played by Sheree Seretse, except where otherwise indicated.

Musicians: Sheree Seretse, Karen Weisser, Veronica Waters, JoAnn Moton, Brian Henderson, Lee Eddy, Ashley O'Keeffe, Robin Windsor, Chris Halaska.

All pieces except for Taireva II were recorded live at Langston Hughes Cultural Arts Center in Seattle, Washington.

Acknowledgments and appreciation to: Langston Hughes Cultural Arts Center, Steve Sneed, Mark Smith, Sam Chiorah, Joe Bayana, Tsitsi Chipoore, Dumisani Maraire, the live recording participants and Anzanga supporters and friends.

Our deepest gratitude to Neville Pearsall for his patience and technical expertise during recording and mixing.

Cover Artwork: Howard and Patricia Dial

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