The Mbira Renaissance Band’s “Zunza (Get Up)” centres the 15-key nyunga nyunga mbira, recorded with crisp detail that brings out its metallic overtones and cross-rhythmic complexity. Founded in Harare by the late Takunda Mafika and now based in Edmonton, Canada, the ensemble is led by Chaka Zinyemba, who composed the track and performs on mbira and vocals alongside Chiedza Zinyemba.
“Zunza” , titled after the Shona word for “get up,” opens with interlocking mbira lines, anchored by hosho shakers and hand percussion. Unison vocals shift into staggered phrasings that nod to ceremonial styles, while James Stuart’s syncopated bass and George Koufogiannakis’s rhythm guitar build momentum. Reckie Lloyd contributes layered djembe textures that link Southern and West African rhythmic traditions, supported by Tony Flanagan on drums and Munya Viyali on keyboard.
Released 25 May and engineered by Brad Smith, “Zunza (Get Up)” is the first single from the forthcoming album Roto: Living the Dream, positioning the mbira as structural core in a contemporary, rhythm-led arrangement.
You can stream and listen to “Zunza (Get Up)” HERE