Sekuru Gabriel and The Afresh Band A fresh new version of Zimbabwean traditional music played by an ensemble of musicians from various backgrounds, their different musical stories are expressed in an original blend of Chidzimba music; Chidzimba meaning from the heart - of the musicians, the players, the listeners, the dancers - they all need to feel the music, and it is this feeling and which shines through in their performance and on their recordings. The music is made accessible in how the band members share a simple communal feeling of joy as they learn and play the music, however they are also embodying so much; Chidzimba music came out of Chimurenga music; Chimurenga means liberation, in the Zimbabwean context meaning liberation from Colonial oppression, now they draw inspiration from these struggles and are liberated through this music, (which has no boundaries). The leading instrument in the band is Zimbabwe's traditional instrument; the Mbira, played by Gabriel Makamanzi. It is a plucked instrument with keys made from metal, rooted in Africa's history spanning back 800 years. Mbira music generates interest internationally, many musicians the world over have travelled to Zimbabwe to learn how to play this beautiful unexampled instrument and it is this which lends its distinctive tone to the band. However Mbira still has some stigma attached to it in Zimbabwe, the thumb piano is used in different formal and informal gatherings often to induce a trance, this is an important part of Shona spirituality and culture, and as such is frowned upon by some Christian establishments. Some of the songs Gabriel sings are a social commentary on this and other relationships; such as between the people of Zimbabwe and the church, as well as international relations e.g. sanctions on Zimbabwe - and how they affect the everyday folk. At a time when Mbira and Zimbabwean traditional music were banned in public places the music started to be played on guitars, and other western instruments, by iconic musicians such as Thomas Mapfumo, this then led to a contemporary version of the music with new instrumentation and international influences. Universal similarities in the music, such as certain rhythms and tonalities and other similarities in how different music has developed worldwide; e.g. use of drum kit and electric guitars in the 60s and 70s, meaning international influences are at play which enable musicians from different countries and contexts to come together and learn the music in a medium they can relate to. After moving from Zimbabwe, Gabriel played with countless musicians. The current line-up of Irish Traditional, Folk, Funk, Jazz, Latin and Reggae musicians have added their own flavour to the music. As he shared and taught the music to these players he also drew inspiration from their backgrounds; for example from traditional and folk music of Belfast, not just from those international influences mentioned above; use of Irish instrumentation such as banjo, bodhrán, tin whistle and flute produce a completely unique musical fusion. They have produced a 9 track album which is expected to remind Zimbabweans of the great guitarists like Sugar Chiweshe, Jonah Sithole and many others, who seem to have been overshadowed by the current music dominating playtime in Zimbabwe. Afresh bring back memories of the roots of Zimbabwean music and indeed all music of the people, the shared experience of making music together is an important part of what brings the band together, a breath of fresh air from music as a commodity; how it is sold and promoted constantly in mainstream culture in both countries. From a young age Gabriel knew he wanted to be a musician; he started off playing the dried masekesa tree seed-pods as shakers and singing gospel songs while he herded cattle as a youngster in the countryside. After moving to Harare he joined an Mbira group called the Mighty Spiders Crew from Mbare, he also played at traditional ceremonies with Garikai Tirikoti, a renowned Zimbabwean Mbira maker, who was also his mentor and tutor. Later on Gabriel was spotted Andy Brown and The Storm, who took him to the UK on a tour in 2002. Thereafter Gabriel settled in the UK and later moved to Northern Ireland, he still plays in the current Blacks Unlimited of Thomas Mapfumo when he tours in the UK ,who considers Hosho/shakers playing by Gabriel to be an indispensable instrument whenever he is on tour. Band Members: Instruments Gabriel Makamanzi: (Vocals, Mbira, Shakers) Marty McCloskey (Drums) Alan Sproule (Guitar) Joe Campbell-McArdle (Banjo) Dermot Moynagh (Bodhrán) Grant McParland (Bass) Anna Poloni (Whistle and Flute) Lauren Cudden (Vocals) Emma Kennedy (Vocals) M.C. Vunganai Gwenhamo (Ranking Fox)