Carnegie Hall

• Listen to “Hurombo Gara Wega.”
• Learn the lyrics to “Hurombo Gara Wega” using “Hurombo Gara Wega” pronunciation and “Hurombo Gara Wega” additional pronunciation.
• Sing the melody of “Hurombo Gara Wega” chorus.
• Notice that the song is in call-and-response form. The call is the kushaura line, and the response is the kutsinhira line. Your students can focus on learning the kutsinhira line, but they can also learn the kushaura line.

• “Hurombo Gara Wega” honors the memory of our ancestors—all the people that came before us and make us who we are. In Zimbabwean cultures, ancestors continue to be an important presence in a family’s life, even after they are gone. The song is an expression of yearning and is about anyone you miss in your life.
• As a class, explore what students know about their ancestors, starting with parents and grandparents, and discovering whether any students have family stories that reach further back.
• Explain that names can be an important link to our ancestors.
  • Dr. Tanyaradzwa’s family name is Nzou Matemai, which means “elephant.” The elephant is the family mutupo (totem), so it has special meaning for the family.
• Students will learn more about mitupo (totems) with Your Own Mutupo (PDF).
• Encourage students to talk about their family names at home and share with the class.
  • What does your last name mean? Where does it come from? Why is it special for your family?
  • Where do your first and middle names come from? Are you named after one of your ancestors?
  • What family stories do you have about your ancestors?

Discover Layers in “Hurombo Gara Wega”

• Mbira music is often created by layering different parts, including several interwoven lines performed on the mbira, the vocal line, and the percussion rhythms. The layers are added one at a time, building like a wave to elevate people’s spirits and heighten the energy.
• Your students will learn four of these layers:
  • Basic mbira pattern
  • Vocal melody
  • Hosho (shakers)
  • Kuombera (clapping)
• Listen to “Hurombo Gara Wega,” noting when each of the layers enters.
• Learn the basic mbira pattern (layer 1), which can be played on barred instruments.
  • Note that the mbira player adds more notes and layers to this basic pattern. The mark of an expert mbira player is how many different interlocking lines she can play.

• Learn the Hosho pattern, using any kind of shaker.

• Learn the Kuombera pattern (or clapping rhythm).