Harare — ALTHOUGH the Day of the African Child came and went, its memories and what it stands for will remain etched in the minds of many, especially to pupils of Harare-based St Giles School.

The children -- who are disabled -- wrote their own piece of history when they put up a sterling performance at the commemorations staged at Africa Unity Square in the capital recently.

They headlined the occasion with their sublime mbira sounds, a well-choreographed act and a spirited performance.

The seven-piece band defied their handicaps and proved that disability was not inability and also with the encouragement and support, they wooed the crowd with their neatly woven mbira sounds, punctuated by clapping, singing and dancing, yes dancing.

The ensemble is assisted by school teachers in writing some of their songs.

One of the teachers, Trust Mutekwa, better known as Ticha Muzavazi, said the determination and dedication that the students showed impressed him, saying they even equalled or surpassed their able-bodied counterparts.

He added that they were quick to learn and use their senses.

"They are among the fastest learners I have ever worked with in my close to a decade period in teaching," he said.

He commended the zeal shown by the children, added that they were definitely going to make it in the foreseeable future.

"I am also hoping that they will pursue their artistic careers further.

The band that was formed last year has to date staged several performances around the country.

They were part and parcel of last year's Culture Week celebrations and they had an opportunity to participate as guests' participants at the Jikinya Annual Dance Festival.

Having also graced the Hifa, in the schools competition, the ensemble walked away with the prize of the Most Promising Group after playing 17 different songs.

Three members of the ensemble; Deborah Wallah, Trish Nhatarikwa and Sean Semu took part in the Eisteddfods Vocal and Instrumental Competitions which were organised by the National Institute of Allied Arts on 17 March 2009.

Deborah attained first grade while her friends earned themselves honours rankings in the Solos category.

They were joined by Mutsawashe Tembo and Terrence Nazare and performed as an ensemble two days later and walked away with honours.

Their talents are not confined to mbira only but also in other areas such as marimba, dance, visual arts and singing.

Their tutor however explained that their music didn't affect their schoolwork, saying they always managed to strike a balance between the two.

The seven-member band have plans to record in the near future with several artistes already showing interest in engaging them for recording.

Mutekwa added that plans were underway to work with a school based in South Africa, which also caters for children who are disabled, to tour South Africa for some performances.