Kelvin Chikumbirike is an extremely dynamic Zimbabwean musician, teacher, performer,
and accomplished marimba maker. In 2017 he created the Vaima Arts Trust. This organization
teaches music and art to homeless youth, people living with disabilities, prison inmates, and
other disadvantaged and disabled populations.
Kelvin has performed mbira music in nearly every hotel in central Harare, the capital city
of Zimbabwe. He and his team have performed at parties, weddings, and major events such as
HIFA 2017 and 2018, Spar Rainbow Run, Tamba Rimba Festival and the Miombo Magic
Festival. He even participated in setting the Guinness World Record for the largest marimba
ensemble.
As well as having extensive experience performing, Kelvin has expanded his musical repertoire
by recording with international artists such as Klara Wojtkowska, a Polish violinist, and Lukas
Meir, a Swiss drummer. He has been interviewed by his musical collaborator Wojtkowska, by
radio stations (Capital FM, Star FM, ZiFM, Heart n Soul) and by online TV show (263 Chat,
Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation and freiomusic based in USA Colorado .
Kelvin recently finished teaching at the Zimbabwean music Festival in Oregon, where he
taught nyunga nyunga mbira. Kelvin has taught ngoma (traditional Zimbabwean drumming),
nyunga nyunga mbira, marimba, hosho, African hand drumming, singing and dancing.
One of Kelvin’s most impressive crafts is the mastery of making mobile marimbas. These
marimbas are inexpensive,made from recycled material and easily moved, making them more
accessible to larger groups of people.
See more of Kelvin’s work on his KZfaq channel:
/ @kelvinchikumbirike