The ancient sound of Zimbabwe’s mbira will echo through the streets of Birmingham this weekend as the UK Mbira Festival makes its grand debut on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the Magnet Centre.
Running from 2 PM to 1 AM, the event promises a rich blend of tradition and innovation, bringing together Zimbabwean music, dance, storytelling, and food under one roof.
Presented by Diaspora Insurance, the festival celebrates the power of music to unite communities and restore cultural identity.
“After visiting Zimbabwe, I realised how much of our tradition and cultural identity we were losing in the diaspora. This festival is a rebirth of that spirit here in the UK. We want to create a space where everyone can participate—whether they know mbira music or not,”said Jenny Marufu, Founder of the UK Mbira Festival.
Headliners include some of the biggest names in the Zimbabwean music scene. Vee Mhofu, known for his genre-bending blend of hardcore mbira with Afrobeat and hip-hop, promises a high-energy set described as “a spiritual invocation wrapped in a sonic party.”
Zee Guveya and The Heritage Survival Band will bring their signature chimurenga-funk fusion to the stage, while Sekuru (Gabriel Makamanzi)—renowned for blending mbira with Irish folk, Latin, and reggae—returns with his globally inspired Afresh Band.
Rounding out the lineup is Linos Wengara and Zimbaremabwe Mbira Vibes, who have kept the heartbeat of traditional Zimbabwean music alive in the UK for over two decades.
Workshops, visual art, and traditional Zimbabwean cuisine will round out the experience, promising something for all generations.
“We are honoured to be part of this cultural milestone,” said Kuda Ruzane of Made in ZWE, a media partner for the event. “This isn’t just an event—it’s a call to remember who we are, through rhythm and community.”
With Diaspora Insurance as the headline sponsor, the inaugural UK Mbira Festival is more than a music celebration—it’s a cultural homecoming.
