Jerusarema from Tambanavo by Zhambai Trio

(traditional Shona/arr.Mubaiwa) SOCAN
This traditional drum/dance is also known as mbende which has the male dancer imitating the actions of a mouse digging into the Earth with its front and hind legs. With the introduction of Christianity, this style of dance was deemed pagan/heathen. People then changed the name to Jeruserema ("Jerusalem") to give it a Christian identity and "approval" from that segment of society. Presently, it is as popular as ever and the drumming itself is used by the national broadcasting corporation as the theme music for the evening news.

"zhambai" (Shona) - to scream

Traditional and original Zimbabwean music featuring ancient instruments such as the mbira, hosho, and ngoma as well as the more contemporary Zimbabwean marimba. The haunting yet uplifting sound of the mbira rhythms and interlocking melodies are at once stimulating and relaxing. The sound of water dropping, spirits talking, ancestors singing and blood pumping.

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