Dzivarasekwa, a township in Harare, Zimbabwe, resembles the first ghetto, Harari, with its grim, monotonous layout and drug-induced haze that haunts its young residents. The drug plague in the area has been prevalent for over a decade, with cheap moonshine, narcotics, and even prescription drugs like diazepam readily available. Despite this grim reality, the Tsoro Arts and Social Centre, run by musician Jacob Mafuleni, stands out as an initiative providing young people with an alternative to the streets every Saturday afternoon.
At the Tsoro Arts and Social Centre, young people from ages 6 to 23 gather to learn and play traditional African instruments such as the marimba and mbira. The marimba is a percussive instrument with origins in Mozambique, while the mbira is a lamellophone instrument with metal keys attached to a wooden soundboard. Mafuleni, a skilled musician, craftsman, and teacher, imparts his knowledge of these instruments to the youth, offering them an opportunity to engage with music, learn life skills, and participate in the creative process of making instruments.
Mafuleni’s journey with the marimba began in 1990 when he joined the Boterekwa Dance Troupe and gradually mastered the instrument under the guidance of a bandleader. He learned the intricacies of crafting the marimba by observing and assisting in the process, eventually becoming an expert in making and playing the instrument. His passion for music and craftsmanship led him to explore the mbira as well, creating his own instrument after observing the traditional makers at work and asking questions.
In his quest to democratize the understanding and appreciation of traditional African instruments, Mafuleni sought guidance and inspiration from a master marimba maker in the United States. With newfound knowledge and skills, he returned to Zimbabwe with the goal of assembling a marimba band and sharing his expertise with the community. Through his initiatives at the Tsoro Arts and Social Centre, Mafuleni not only teaches music but also imparts life skills to the youth, fostering a sense of community and creativity that offers an alternative to the challenges faced by the township’s residents.
The social role of the Tsoro Arts and Social Centre extends beyond music education, as Mafuleni emphasizes the importance of imparting life skills and experiences to the young participants. Through activities like instrument making and retreats to natural settings, the centre aims to break the cycle of drug abuse, teenage pregnancy, and other social issues prevalent in Dzivarasekwa. By providing a positive outlet for creative expression and community engagement, Mafuleni hopes to empower the youth and instill a sense of pride and purpose in their lives.
Overall, Mafuleni’s dedication to preserving and sharing traditional African music and craftsmanship serves as a beacon of hope in Dzivarasekwa, offering a path towards personal growth, community cohesion, and cultural enrichment. Despite the challenges faced by the township, initiatives like the Tsoro Arts and Social Centre provide a platform for young people to discover their talents, learn valuable skills, and build a brighter future for themselves and their community through the transformative power of music and creativity.
