The Agebkors History with the Ewe People

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A big part of Shona culture and identity is also rooted in their spirituality. The Shona people much like many other cultures believe in the passing of their spirit after they die to a higher world of living spirits. The Shona strongly believe that their ancestors spirits are protecting them from harm which give a sense of comfort to the communities. When the living want to communicate with the dead for guidance they usually visit a medium. They then conduct a ritual known as Bira or (spirit possession ceremony). The Shona music is integral in all rituals and festivities. Songs that are played during these rituals are used to bring a spirit back to the family. This is very interesting because it signifies that the Shona people see music as a way of communication and connection with members of their community. It's almost like a secret language amongst them that only they would understand. To us their music just sounds like a concoction of vocals and strings, but to them it's a story or message that conveys an action or event. In events such as a ritual Shona people will recite traditional poetry and “songs”. I say songs very loosely due to the fact that the music they play are more in line with sacred poetry. The Mbira plays a very big role as they are considered as the main way the Shona can communicate with the dead.

“Creative, participatory listening is an essential aspect of this music culture”(pg. 107) The Shona music has a big social element to it. People listening to the music are encouraged to join in as the music is a celebration of the culture and people as a whole. Hand clapping is a good way for people listening to participate and creates an awesome polymeric feeling. “When a Mbira player is playing it is as if he was conversing with a friend”(pg. 107). This describes the relationship the Shona Mbira players have with their music and instrument. They treat the instrument as part of them as if they were telling what the instrument to say and the instrument turned their message into a beautiful sound. The implication that the Mbira is almost like a part of the player emphasizes the importance of music culture within the Shona community. The music they play invokes very strong feelings despite if you are part of the culture or not. You can tell by the music that it's a message or a call to anyone that can here the importance of the Shona culture. The Shonas music primarily played with the Mbira invoke sociability amongst both the living and the dead much like the Ewe people. However with the Ewe people they take their music very seriously and see it as a recounting of the past whereas Shona music is rooted in tradition but goes off the beaten path by conveying the message the player wants his community to hear.