Travelling more than 10 kilometres to get water is a daily reality for many people who live in rural areas of Zimbabwe.
“It’s just a part of their life. It’s a whole day to get water,” said Amy Matamba, a founder of the Zimbabwe Music Society and the band Mbira Spirit.
Having closer access to water can create ripple effects in the community, said Tafadzwa Matamba, a member of Mbira Spirit and Amy’s husband.
“The children are the future of tomorrow,” said Tafadzwa, adding that they are losing valuable time they could spend attending school just to gather one of life’s necessities – water. “We want to give them the best we can.”
The society is hosting a benefit concert at the Port Theatre Sunday (May 15) at 2:30 p.m. The show features Nobuntu, a five-member women’s a cappella ensemble from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The Cowichan Tribes Dancers and Mbira Spirit will open the show.
Money raised from the event will go toward the society’s goal to drill 10 water wells per year, starting this fall, and to bring Trevor Miranda, an optometrist from the Cowichan Valley, to treat about 1,000 people in Magunje, Zimbabwe for eye care.
Amy said the wells need to be in place first because the doctors who visit need access to the water for medical care. The goal is to have wells so people only have to walk a maximum of two kilometres to reach safe drinking water.
Tafadzwa said the society is also happy to support the five Zimbabwe women in the a cappella group, because as a woman in Africa it is hard to have opportunities to perform and share Zimbabwe culture in other countries.
“Music is healing. Music is hope,” said Amy.
“Music connects us as human beings,” Tafadzwa added.
Tickets are $55 and are available by calling 250-754-8550 or visiting www.porttheatre.com. People can also purchase tickets and ask that they be donated. Amy said the idea is to get people who have the means in Nanaimo to “pay it forward.” Donated tickets will be given to community groups in Nanaimo for people who might not otherwise be able to attend.
Nanaimo is the last stop on Nobuntu’s Canadian tour.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com
