“Zim” is how the people of Zimbabwe refer to their country. Zimbabwe is a beautiful country located in Southern Africa. Zimbabweans, like many African people, love music and create interesting 'musics'. This album is a dedication to Zimbabwe I visited in 2006. 

Zimbabweans play various instruments, among them is the famous mbira, a kind of thumb piano. When I lived in South Africa (2005-2010), I played saxophone in a mbira band hence, this album commemorates that period of my life. 

My interest to play the mbira was rekindled after visiting a music shop here in the Netherlands and trying a kalimba. The sound just captivated me and brought back the memories of visiting Zimbabwe. I began to revel in the memories of hearing rural people making music during church services and traditional ceremonies. I knew then, that I wanted to add the mbira or kalimba in my musical repertoire. Hence this album.

Initially, I thought of learning to play the mbira, but a very good amplified mbira is not easy to come by here in the Netherlands. The closest thing to an amplified mbira is the kalimba. Although the kalimba is not an mbira, it has its own advantages. First, the sound of the kalimba mimics the mbira. Second, amplification is not a problem and third, the kalimba endears itself to many players including beginners, not forgetting that the kalimba is portable.

I composed all the songs on this album using the kalimba, a new discovery for me. I let the kalimba dictate the music and musical direction while I watch myself being surprised. As you listen, allow the music to transport you to the rural landscape of Zimbabwe and Africa. If possible, put on your dancing shoes, because some songs call for your dancing skills. I really hope that this album will bring you joy.

The musicians on this album are “unknown” internationally but are busy in the Dutch local scene. The beauty of hearing these musicians who are not Africans interpret the music adds another layer of joy and unpredictability to the album. I sincerely thank the musicians Arturo Escalante, Willem Leeuwenburg and Henk van Zeijts for their time and generosity. Special thanks also goes to my wife Lucy, my sons and fellow band mates Inung and Ukan for their unbiased criticism of the mixes and also their various dances to celebrate the album.

happy listening...