Tichawona Noble Mashawa will once again bring his expressive, traditional yet new-wave Zimbabwe style and groove as part of the 'Culture Train' tour.
This will be Tichawona's third year on the tour, with the original opportunity to play coming from his previous involvement with Brisbane's BEMAC, where he was already sharing and exposing people to his original compositions that are filled with colour as they embrace traditions of the Zimbabwean ‘Mbira’ music and the upbeat groove of contemporary African rhythms.
This tour allows him to reach a broader audience. “This is my third year doing the Culture Train. I was involved in a lot of projects through Brisbane's BEMAC and they invited me to play my first one, two years ago. I love it so I always come back,” he says.
Tichawona Noble Mashawa"For me, it's the multicultural aspect that draws me to want to be involved. I've lived in nine, different countries across the African continent and then moved here so I have a love for world music and seeing new places that I wouldn't have been exposed too."
Along with Tichawona, six other artists from various cultures will be playing as a part of Culture Train. Sharing the tour with such talented and diverse artists is an aspect that Tichawona both enjoys and gains inspirations from. ”I enjoy all the different backgrounds and cultures. It's a chance to explore new ideas and styles. It's a big inspiration!"
As the tour heads into regional Queensland, Tichawona explains how the open spaces do nothing but increase the connection between him and the audience. "The tour is going to places away from the city. It goes to the outback, which has a sense of openness and it feels free. That allows for a greater connection with the audience.
Sudha Manian - one of the Culture Train performers“Despite the different cultures, the music and energy that is transferred creates that connection and with music that connection really matters,” he continues. "Performing live is really interactive and creative; it's in real time so it's never the same thing; especially playing in the different outback places the response is never the same."
Tichawona's choice to ground his music in the traditional Zimbabwean style was intentional. “In a way, I'm sort of protecting the culture. There has been a big loss of culture, so I'm playing a role really. By keeping my style traditional, I am keeping the history alive which will allow the style to be passed down to different generations."
Tichawona's future plans include releasing another album inspired by his Outback explorations. "I would suggest anyone to go to the Outback to experience and enjoy the open space; that is actually a totally different Australia.”
Written by Ellen Cook
Culture Train Shows
Wed 31 Aug - Ipswich City Library (11am)Wed 31 Aug - Queensland Multicultural Centre (4pm)
