Performance 8 July 2018.
In the 1980s and 90s, Chartwell Dutiro was one of the most influential members of 'The Blacks Unlimited', the backing band of legendary Thomas Mapfumo. This band was the first to convert the spiritual trance-inducing mbira sounds of the Shona people to the guitar. The mbira is a thumb piano mounted on a gourd. During the struggle for independence, this music became a symbol of resistance and would ultimately form the modern sound of the new Zimbabwe.
Chartwell toured as Mapfumo's arranger all over the world. The music of his own band 'Spirit Talk Mbira' is deeply rooted in Zimbabwe's centuries-old mbira tradition. In 2003 Chartwell made a big impression at Hertme. He now returns with four other mbira players including his son Shorai, and one of the guitarists from that legendary concert at the Afrika Festival 15 years ago.
Chartwell Dutiro: mbira, vocals, dance
Anna Mudeka: mbira, percussion, vocals, dance
Millicent Chapanda: mbira, hosho
Shorai Dutiro: mbira, vocals
Jori Buchel: mbira, vocals
Chris Morphitis: guitar