ACCLAIMED Zimbabwean jazz maestro Filbert Marova on Wednesday unveiled his highly anticipated seven-track album, Metamorphosis, to be released today, marking his sixth studio album to date.
The ground-breaking project introduces mbiriano, a revolutionary new musical style where Marova performs mbira-inspired keyboard textures by fusing the intricate rhythms of the traditional instrument with the rich harmonic landscape of contemporary jazz that he is popularly known for.
According to a statement, Metamorphosis signifies a pivotal evolution in the artiste’s distinguished career, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of musical innovation in Zimbabwe.
“Through meticulous transcription and inventive arrangements, Marova masterfully transforms the soulful essence of mbira music into a sophisticated and captivating jazz idiom,” the statement read.
“Each of the seven tracks on the album offers listeners a unique and immersive experience, blending the familiar with the distinctly new.”
It added: “Inspired by the profound transformation inherent in nature, much like a caterpillar evolving into a butterfly, Metamorphosis embodies a complete reinvention of sound.”
Marova’s creative process acts as the “chrysalis”, where the grounded, historical resonance of the mbira interacts with and reshapes the improvisational freedom and harmonic complexity of jazz.
The result is an entirely new musical entity — mbiriano — a testament to cultural conservation and artistic evolution.
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The album is available on all major digital platforms.
Metamorphosis is more than just an album; it’s a cultural milestone, representing the culmination of Marova’s vision in forging a new musical vocabulary.
This innovative project is poised to resonate with audiences worldwide, appealing to jazz aficionados, world music enthusiasts and anyone seeking fresh and exciting sounds.
The album Metamorphosis carries songs Okay, Mbira City, Monday Blues, Shiriano, Zvatangaest, Ngoma and Jambo.
The Sofar Sounds Harare alumni told NewsDay Life & Style that releasing the project on Independence Day, was a deliberate and deeply symbolic choice.
“Zimbabwe’s Independence Day commemorates our nation’s liberation and the reclaiming of our identity. In that spirit, mbiriano seeks to celebrate and reimagine our cultural heritage,” Marova said, adding that mbira is not just an instrument, but a powerful symbol of Zimbabwean culture, history and spirituality.
“It has been the voice of our ancestors for centuries, carrying stories, traditions and emotions.
“Juxtaposing this rich heritage with the improvisational freedom and global language of jazz felt like a natural parallel to the journey of our nation.”
The celebrated jazz musician and composer is renowned for his innovative musical approach which is deeply rooted in his cultural heritage.
He is dedicated to exploring uncharted sonic territories and expanding the horizons of musical expression.
His mastery on instruments such as the guitar, piano and mbira underscores his commitment to musical innovation.
“Jazz, with its history rooted in the struggle for freedom and self-expression, resonates with the themes of independence and liberation,” the artiste’s statement further read.
“By releasing mbiriano on this significant day, we aim to highlight the enduring relevance of our traditions in a modern context and to showcase the artistic freedom we now possess to blend and innovate.
“It’s a musical declaration of our cultural sovereignty and a celebration of the creative possibilities that arise from embracing both our past and our future.”
