Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Lloyd Gumbo
23 September 2009
Harare — ZIMBABWEAN students studying Chinese Language and Culture at the University of Zimbabwe recently launched a Chinese Choral group.
The group comprises of eight members- four men and four women who are attached to the Confucius Institute housed at the University of Zimbabwe. The group members include gospel icons Michael Mahendere of Mahendere Brothers and Lawrence Gunda of Gospel Power.
Others are Lillian Shereni, Sharon Makombera, Patricia Chirairo, Lindelwa Sojini, Blessing Neganje and Taurai Masangano The launch of the group coincided with the 60th anniversary celebrations of New China at the university.
University of Zimbabwe Vice Chancellor Professor Levy Nyagura said the launch of the group would go a long way in assisting local students in their cultural endeavours.
"The exposure these students will have will help them to understand their colleagues and they really need to be supported in this project," he said.
Higher and Tertiary Education, Minister Stan Mudenge and the new Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Xin Shunkang were among Chinese and Zimbabwean nationals who attended the launch.
The six months old group, which was formed in April this year performed eight Chinese songs and a popular Shona song "Ruva Rangu" in Chinese, while singing the chorus in Shona. The astounded but appreciative Chinese crowd could not help but sway along the rhythm and sing along, while their Zimbabwean counterparts joined in the fun.
Ambassador Shunkang acknowledged the effort the group had put in coming with "fluent" voices which was not an easy thing to do.
"The group's performance has shown us the effort they put into this project. Special mention also goes to your trainer who taught you the correct way of pronouncing Chinese words. I will make sure you perform in China next year when we bring many artistes from across the world to show them what you Zimbabweans are made of," he said.
Director and arranger of the group Mahendere said they decided to sing Chinese songs since they were already studying their language and culture.
" We decided to sing in Chinese to mix our own culture and the Chinese culture. Language is the carrier of culture so this will help us understand more of their culture.We are hoping to record a 10 track CD next year with both Chinese and Shona songs but all will be sung in Chinese. We believe we are going to make it into the Chinese charts," he said.
He said they were looking forward to increase the group members to 10 and he thanked Mr Lee Thang at the Chinese embassy whose "vision has made the group come this far".
The group has so far performed in Botswana at the launch of the Confucius Institute and is pencilled to perform in Kenya next month before going to perform in China in December this year.
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