Harare's Book Café in collaboration with Mbiravolution will tomorrow hold an Artistes Voices Discussion with the topic "Celebrating Female Mbira Players". The discussion will focus on who are the players, what significant contribution has been done, how are female mbira players being encouraged and what the future holds for other female mbira players?

Speakers at the event include mbira songbird Chiwoniso Maraire, Theresa Muteta - a young female mbira player, music educator and researcher, Hector Rufaro Mugani and Chikwata.

Other female mbira players like Hope Masike (currently on a world tour), Onai Mtizva (currently in Namibia) are going to send presentations on their experiences as female mbira players.

Many people have misconceptions about the emergence of female mbira players and therefore their importance is diminished.

According to Extra-Blessings Kuchera of Pamberi Trust, who will co-ordinate the discussion said women were denied the opportunity to play the mbira even if they had a passion for it.

"This also applies to other traditional instruments which were mainly male dominated.

"Many women now play the mbira on local, regional and international platforms where they showcase their talent. Names such as Stella Chiweshe, Beaulah Dyoko, Patience Chaitezvi, (Chiwoniso) Maraire, and (Hope) Masike among others have made significant strides in this respect," he said.

"The discussion will highlight the significance of the mbira instrument and music in Zimbabwe and beyond.

"It will mainly focus on the emergence of female mbira players and their immense contribution to the development of mbira instrument and music, the music industry and the Zimbabwean community. We should continue to encourage such positive development."

The discussion comes when many Zimbabweans commemorate September as the mbira month, an initiative by the Mbira Centre meant to celebrate and raise appreciation of the mbira.