Stella Rambisai Chiweshe and the Heart of the Earthquake Band (Zimbabwe)

Though a simple looking instrument - a block of wood with metal strips attached– the mbira produces the most hypnotic & spiritual music when placed in the right hands. A powerful, charismatic performer, Stella Chiweshe battled to become a major female artist in a male-dominated tradition. When Zimbabwe was still a British colony (Rhodesia), Stella played at forbidden ceremonies before returning to her job as a young maid. The colonial government banned the instrument fearing its magical powers, and playing mbira was punishable with prison. Stella Chiweshe plays genuine trance music. Much of her repertoire comes straight from Shona religious rituals, her voice and the keys of her mbira connecting with the spirits of dead ancestors. Audience members at her concerts have claimed spontaneous healings or spiritual experiences in response to the beautiful melodies she coaxes from her mbira. But even if you don't experience supernatural effects, a few moments of Chiweshe's delicate but powerful playing will surely raise your bliss levels by a factor of 10. Expect warm dance grooves, hypnotic melodies and soaring vocals that soothe and uplift, revealing the humanity, creativity, and mystical power of a true Zimbabwean original.

Stella Rambisai Chiweshe & The Heart of the Earthquake Band visit Wales in 2008 as part of the Arts Outside Cardiff scheme, part-funded by The Arts Council of Wales.