Dumisani Maraire facts for kids

Abraham Dumisani Maraire (born December 27, 1944 – died November 25, 1999) was a very talented musician from Zimbabwe. His friends called him "Dumi". He was a master at playing the mbira, which is a traditional instrument of the Shona people. He also played the Zimbabwean marimba.

Dumi helped introduce Zimbabwean music to North America. Because of him, many people in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States became interested in this music. This interest continues even today.

He also created a special way to write music for the nyunga nyunga mbira using numbers from 1 to 15. He used this system to write down the song "Chemutengure". This song is still used today to teach new students how to play the mbira.

About Dumisani Maraire

Dumi was born in Mutare, which was then called Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). He started learning music from his family. Later, he studied at the college of music in Bulawayo.

From 1968 to 1972, Maraire taught music at the University of Washington in Seattle. He stayed in Washington state until 1982. During this time, he also taught at Evergreen State College. He gave private music lessons and performed with marimba groups he started. He played in cities across the Pacific Northwest and in British Columbia, Canada.

In 1982, Dumi returned to Zimbabwe with his family. He helped create a program about the study of music and culture (called ethnomusicology) at the University of Zimbabwe in Harare.

Four years later, he went back to Seattle. He taught and earned his own advanced degree (a doctorate) in ethnomusicology. After that, he returned to teach at the University of Zimbabwe again. He passed away in Zimbabwe on November 25, 1999, after a stroke.

His Musical Family and Impact

Dumi Maraire is remembered for inspiring many Americans. He encouraged them to learn about the Shona culture. They did this by building and playing mbiras and marimbas. His own family was a great example of this.

Some of his students in North America started a Zimbabwean music festival. It is now called "Zimfest" and has happened every year since 1991.

Several of Dumi's children have also become successful musicians:

• The late Chiwoniso Maraire was known as the "Zimbabwe mbira queen". She was a true ambassador for Zimbabwean culture.
• Dumisani Maraire, Jr. performs music under the name Draze.
• Tendai Maraire is part of two hip hop groups: Shabazz Palaces and Chimurenga Renaissance.
• Zhiyanai Maraire performs as ZNi International.

Dumisani Maraire's Music

Dumi Maraire released several recordings of his music. Here are some of them:

• Mbira Music of Rhodesia (1972): This album features Dumi playing only the Nyunga Nyunga mbira. It came with a booklet explaining the music.
• Dumi and the Marire Marimba Ensemble (1978-1979)
• Chaminuka (1989): This was Dumi's first commercial CD recording.
• Shona Spirit (1995): A collaboration with Ephat Mujuru.
• Pieces of Africa (1992): Dumi's music was included on this album by the Kronos Quartet.
• Masters of the African Mbira (2000): This album features songs by both Ephat Mujuru and Dumisani Maraire.