Stella Chiweshe

Biography Chiweshe was born on 8 July 1946 in Mujumi Village in Mhondoro. She learned to play the mbira from 1966 to 1969, at a time when there were social taboos against women playing the instrument, as well as colonial British prohibitions on cultural activities. She was taught by her great-uncle, after being refused by many teachers. During this period Chiweshe also performed forbidden Shona spiritual ceremonies. Her career as a recording artist began in 1974 with the release of the single 'Kasahwa' (Teal Records). In 1981 she joined the National Dance Company of Zimbabwe, playing the mbira, and toured with them internationally. In 1985 she formed her first band The Earthquake. In 1988 Chiweshe recorded two black liberationist songs, 'Chimurenga' and 'NeHondo'. She also helped to form the Zimbabwe Musicians Union. She was known for her spiritual presence on stage, and for often taking snuff while performing. Her daughter is the mbira player , whom Chiweshe trained from a young age.

On 21 January 2023 the government of Zimbabwe offered financial support for her funeral.

Awards

Billboard Music Award (1993) She was also admired for the humanism in her music.

During her career Chiweshe was criticised by some for combining sacred and commercial music. Her work was sampled by many artists, including The New Vets, a Zimbabwean activist rap group, who campaigned for land reform using a track Chiweshe sang on.

Chiweshe featured in Panashe Chigumadzi's 2018 work These Bones Will Rise Again.

Discography Ambuya? (1987, reissued 2021) Ndizvozvo (Piranha, 1988) Chisi (1989) Talking Mbira: Spirits of Liberation (2002) Double Check (2006) Ndondopetera (2007) Kasahwa: Early Singles (2018)

Contributing artist The Rough Guide to the Music of Zimbabwe (World Music Network, 1996)