Talented musician Bled Chimanga has decided to give back to the community by teaching young musicians, aged between 10 and 18, the art of Marimba playing. Bled will be hosting the first ever Dreams Marimba Camp from December 13 to December 16, 2016.
Through Dream Trust, which Chimanga leads, in partnership with the US Embassy, Bled will take students to Hideaway Campsite in Norton for this three day musical journey that will see young students being taught foundational skills of Marimba from development and role playing in Marimba Skills.
The Dreams Marimba Camp will not only teach the kids musical skill but also influence good moral, good character, boost confidence and also give them some cultural appreciation.
“This camp is like me giving back to the community and the nation in which I was raised and exposed to and it’s time to also raise and expose other upcoming marimba players in Zimbabwe ,” said Chimanga.
“Our vision is to groom and nurture marimba players, who are passionate about marimba and also create confidence in marimba players and help boost morale in playing the instrument. We also want to raise awareness of the marimba as a musical instrument in Zimbabwe and internationally.”
The Camp is FREE for applicants who will apply for this camp and are accepted. Due to limited space in camp, students are encouraged to apply early and secure their seat for camp. Applications are currently open and closing on Thursday, October 20, 2016. Application forms may be accessed on the Dreams Marimba Camp Facebook page. Applicants can also contact [email protected].
The camp will come to a close with a special concert where all the students will perform songs and acts they would have prepared during camp. This concert will be open to the public and it will give the marimba players exposure to showcase their talent.
This is not Blessing Chimanga’s first musical teaching experience. In August 2013 his marimba students from Watershed College brought home 6 awards from the International Marimba and Steelpan Competition in South Africa which had over 2000 participants. He has also conducted successful workshops on percussion and marimba across at platforms ISSEA Band Festival hosting over 10 African international schools. Blessing’s marimba workshops at the International Marimba and Steelpan Festival in South Africa in 2013 and 2014 were both sold out.
He is a talented and passionate musician who plays three instruments namely drums, marimba and percussion. He is also a music director, arranger, songwriter and singer. He has played with international musicians such as Eric Wainaina (Kenya), Mike Del Ferro (Netherlands), Amanda Labanda (Italy), Ary Morais (Norway), Michael W. Smith (USA), Sona Jobarteh (UK) and Dan Zanes (USA). He has also performed on big stages and festivals locally and internationally such as HIFA, solo international festival of the Arts(Indonesia), Umoja Festival (Mozambique), Barefeet Festival (Zambia), Global isai festival (India) Kaadama music festival (India), Italian River Blues Festival, 3rd European Blues Challenge (Italy), Ameno Blues (Italy), and Iguazu En Concierto (Argentina) among others.
