born (registered) 1918, Masvingo, Zimbabwe - died in June 2007 in Zimbabwe Although relatively unknown to the younger generations of Zimbabweans, Simon Mashoko is recognized by many musicians as one of the finest exponents of the type of mbira known as njari, a rare instrument which is played around Masvingo in the South of Zimbabwe and in the North-East.

Mashoko was born into a musical family of njari players. He was taught by his uncles and he played with them at bira ceremonies for the ancestral spirits. Mashoko was devoted to music and his njari travelled with him everywhere he went.

Unlike many other mbira players, Gwenyambira did not learn through dreams but dreams did play an important part in shaping his career. Around 1938, he had two wonderous dreams. In the first, he heard a voice in the middle of he night calling him. He went to the door and saw a man in a long white robe with two lions on the ground next to him. In a second dream, three men with wings appeared outside the house. Both dreams were surrounded by beautiful music which Mashoko heard as mbira music.

Later, Mashoko met some Christan teachers in a beer hall. He tasked one of them about the dream and he was told that the figure was that of Jesus Christ. The explanation had a strong affect on Mashoko and he soon joined the Catholic Church in Gweru. He was baptised but continued to play for the ancestral spirits.

Mbira was not acceptable in the church at this time but Mashoko argued that the people in his dreams were playing mbira. One priest told Mashoko that he was doing the devil's work and said he should give up mbira. Mashoko refused. He has always said "I play for my family ancestors. Am I going to say that my dead mother and my dead father are evil?"

Gwenyambira composed many Shona settings to gospel music and as the restrictions on the use of African music were loosened, people started encouraging him to play mbira in church. He produced several records and his reputation spread far and wide especially through the then African radio service.

Despite his virtual superstar status, Mashoko dedicated himself to serving the church for many decades. Retired, he lived at Beardmore mine (near Nyika), about 60 km east of Great Zimbabwe with his wife and children. Until the last years, Mashoko still played mbira every morning and the magic of his performance has never diminished.

Simon Mashoko passed away in June 2007. To some extent it's a relief because he was nearly 100 and very broken physically.

Keith Goddard (based on "The Soul of Mbira" by Paul Berliner)

© PNTGM MMII I last update: 07/07/18 I Back to MAINPAGE

place of residence

NYIKA, Zimbabwe