In Harare, Zimbabwe, the township of Dzivarasekwa mirrors the design of the first ghetto, Harari, with its grid layout of matchbox houses. Drug addiction plagues the streets, with young men and women often seen in a haze of substance abuse. Despite this, the Tsoro Arts and Social Centre, led by musician Jacob Mafuleni, provides a safe space for youth to learn and play traditional instruments like the marimba and mbira. Mafuleni’s expertise in crafting these instruments stems from his experiences in learning and repairing them, both in Zimbabwe and during a visit to the United States. His passion for music and craftsmanship has led him to become a skilled maker of both the marimba and mbira, enriching the musical landscape of Dzivarasekwa and beyond.
