The Zezuru Mbira DzaVadzimu legacy and Spirit Possession

ust as the bible enshrines the orthodox for the Christians, so is mbira dzavadzimu for the Zezuru. This book is an essential handbook for all readers interested in knowing the secret behind the spiritual power of Mbira Dzavadzimu within the Zezuru cosmology. It discusses the different pieces performed on the mbira and shows how mbira songs evoke the spirits in spirit mediums during sacred ceremonies. In addition to the detailed information are attractive illustrative pictures that make reading of this book engaging. The author makes use of different voices to present his experiences and reflections of what transpired during his fieldwork. Most interestingly is that the book is accompanied by an ethnographic film entitled “The spirit of Ambuya Mudevairi speaks out”. If you have not experienced spirit possession according to the Zezuru of Zimbabwe before, here is your chance. The film adds value to the contents of the book. The film portrays perceptions of mbira players, makers, and spirit mediums’ about mbira dzavadzimu pieces and how they evoke spirits in spirit mediums. This is a book that one can not afford to read.