University of Washington Ethnomusicology Archives concert recordings: African Story Songs: Dumisani Maraire, 1969-03-03

Overview of the Collection

Creator
University of Washington Ethnomusicology Archives
Title
University of Washington Ethnomusicology Archives concert recordings: African Story Songs: Dumisani Maraire
Dates
1969-03-03
Quantity
5 items  :  OT - 5 reels (15 ips, full-track, 7"); DUB - 1 reel (7 1/2 ips, 1/2 tr. mono rec. both sides, 7"); WD - 5 compact discs (digital, stereo); Duration: 00:56:00
Collection Number
1969017
Summary
Recorded at the University of Washington, Music Rm. 52, 3/3/69; probably master tapes for UW Press recording [ASR-1153], "African Story Songs" (music of Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe)
Repository
University of Washington Ethnomusicology Archives
University of Washington
Ethnomusicology Archives
Box 353450
Seattle, WA
98195-3450
Telephone: 2065430974
ethnoarc@uw.edu
Access Restrictions

Access is restricted.

Languages
English

Historical NoteReturn to Top

Abraham Dumisani Maraire (27 December 1944 – 25 November 1999), known to friends as "Dumi", was a master performer of the mbira, a traditional instrument of the Shona ethnic group of Zimbabwe. He specialized in the form of mbira called nyunga nyunga, as well as the Zimbabwean marimba. He introduced Zimbabwean music to North America, initiating a flourishing of Zimbabwean music in the Pacific Northwest that continues into the 21st century.

Dumi is credited for his famous 1–15 number notation used on the nyunga nyunga mbira and for notating the song "Chemutengure" on the nyunga nyunga mbira. The song "Chemutengure" is used to teach mbira learners the technique of playing the instrument.

Dumi was born in Mutare, Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). He began learning music from family members, and later at the college of music in Bulawayo. Maraire taught from 1968 through 1972 at the University of Washington in Seattle, where his daughter Chiwoniso Maraire (also a musician) was born. His other child and only son, Tendai Maraire, also became a musician, later forming the duo Shabazz Palaces. He remained in Washington state until 1982, teaching at Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, giving private music lessons, and performing in cities of the Pacific Northwest and in British Columbia with several marimba groups he founded.

Dumi returned to Zimbabwe in 1982 to develop an ethnomusicology program at the University of Zimbabwe in Harare. Four years later, he was back in Seattle, teaching and earning his own doctorate in ethnomusicology at the University of Washington, after which he returned again to teach at the University of Zimbabwe. He died of a stroke on 25 November 1999 in Zimbabwe.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

Performers: Dumisani Maraire/leader, storyteller, mbira; chorus: Marilee Mansfield, Libby Palmer, Nancy Groman, Pat Kolstad, Anne Henry, Peggy Andersen, Maureen Knight, B.J. Cullison.

Contents: Reel 1: Zangaiwa Chakatanga Pano; Tete Ozambira. Reel 2: Yoga Isina Munhu Mugwara; Ngweru. Reel 3: Cheka Cheka Makaiwa; Chawe Chidyo Chemuchero. Reel 4: Haiwa Dzaefa; Dzoenda; Sorida (this item not on UW Press recording).

69-17.5 OT - added to collection 4/18/2006 (found in Garfias collection); note on back of tape box: "Abraham Record Master, 15 ips, Side A 3 & 4, Dzoenda, Tete Dzambira, African Story Songs" (UW Press ASR-1153)

Other: more information on original archive sheet.

Transmission Data: Digital files created 2/2013 - 69-17.1.wav through 69-17.4.wav (48 kHz, 24-bit); digital file created in 2006 - 69-17.5.aif (44.1 kHz, 16-bit)

Documentation: Photo-copy of UW Press recording jacket notes.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Description
1969017-0001: African Story Songs (reel 1)
1 optical media : CD - unpublished
1969017-0002: African Story Songs (reel 2)
1 optical media : CD - unpublished
1969017-0003: African Story Songs (reel 3)
1 optical media : CD - unpublished
1969017-0004: African Story Songs (reel 4)
1 optical media : CD - unpublished
1969017-0005: African Story Songs (reel 5)
1 optical media : CD - unpublished

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Ethnomusicology
  • Mbira
  • Shona
  • Shona--Africa--Southern Africa

Geographical Names

  • Africa
  • Seattle (Wash.)
  • Zimbabwe

Other Creators

  • Personal Names
    • Maraire, Dumisani (performer)