Our Team
Combining all loose fingers to become a fist !
THE PEOPLE BEHIND VAIMA
Our Team & Our Students
Combining all loose fingers to become a fist. Meet the musicians, educators, leaders and talented students who make Vaima Arts Trust a community of creativity and inclusion.
Staff and Instructors
Our leadership combines Zimbabwean musical expertise, organisational experience and a commitment to community development.
Kelvin Chikumbirike
Zimbabwean musician, teacher, performer, marimba maker and founder of Vaima Arts Trust in 2017.
Kelvin has worked with homeless youth, people with disabilities, prison inmates and underserved communities through music and art.
Read Kelvin's Full Biography
Kelvin has performed mbira music extensively in Harare and at weddings, celebrations and major events, including HIFA 2017 and 2018, Spar Rainbow Run, Tamba Rimba Festival and Miombo Magic Festival.
He participated in the Guinness World Record event for the largest marimba ensemble.
His international collaborations include recordings with Polish violinist Klara Wojtkowska and Swiss drummer Lukas Meir.
His work has been featured through Capital FM, Star FM, ZiFM, Heart n Soul, 263 Chat, Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation and freiomusic.
Kelvin has taught at the Zimbabwean Music Festival in Oregon, including nyunga nyunga mbira.
His teaching experience includes traditional Zimbabwean drumming (ngoma), marimba, mbira, hosho, African hand drumming, singing and dancing.
He also makes mobile marimbas using affordable and recycled materials, helping make Zimbabwean music accessible to larger groups.
Additional training: Certificate in Music Therapy for Special Needs — London School of International Business (LSIB), UK. (Subject to credential verification.)
Samson Chikumbirike
An experienced sales, marketing and administration professional who co-founded Vaima Arts Trust with Kelvin in 2017.
Samson supports Vaima's organisational leadership and community mission.
Read Samson's Full Biography
Samson has a Master of Business Administration from the University of Zimbabwe and an Honours Degree in Marketing and Economics from Great Zimbabwe University.
His background includes 13 years in the ICT industry and more than 10 years of administration across business, community and other organisations.
He has contributed to school development structures and community leadership, and advocates for self-empowerment, family unity, ubuntu and opportunities for disadvantaged people.
Samson has supported Vaima since its earliest stages and remains involved in the Trust's work.
Takudzwa Mathabire
Entrepreneur and advocate for art-preneurship, combining artistic creativity with business principles.
Read Takudzwa's Full Biography
Takudzwa has worked to identify, develop and mentor local artists, while supporting creative-business initiatives.
His work includes arts-business workshops in Zimbabwe, Madagascar and Mauritius, alongside activities supporting underserved communities.
Music, Performance & Heritage
From traditional instruments to international collaborations, Vaima celebrates Zimbabwean musical culture.
Keeping Zimbabwean Music Alive
Vaima's musical activities bring together marimba, mbira, hosho, traditional drums, singing and dance. Its work includes teaching, performing, making instruments and supporting participation across different abilities.
Kelvin's mobile marimba designs help bring practical music-making to schools, communities and groups that may have limited access to traditional instruments.
EXPLORE OUR MARIMBA MOVEMENTOur Students, Our Inspiration
Every student brings a unique voice, talent and musical journey. Meet some of the people who have shared their stories with Vaima.
Stellah Jongwe
Stellah enjoys mbira, marimba, wheelchair basketball, tennis, racing, public speaking, poetry and drama.
Read Her Story
Stellah describes her ambition to share her talents and challenge negative perceptions about disability. She believes that disability does not mean inability.
Rachel Madondo
Rachel plays mbira and marimba, alongside wheelchair basketball and wheelchair tennis.
Read Her Story
Rachel hopes to develop her musical abilities and show others that disability does not limit a person's potential.
Monica Makura
Monica loves singing and is interested in information technology.
Read Her Story
She hopes to become a systems analyst while continuing to develop her singing talent. Her story celebrates confidence, kindness and determination.
Tinotenda Ruvharo
Tinotenda enjoys playing traditional instruments, including mbira, marimba and rattles.
Tapiwa Diura (Ally Tee)
Tapiwa plays marimba using his mouth and is also a rap artist.
Read His Story
Tapiwa has an album titled Musatidzikisire, meaning "Do not look down upon us." He hopes to build a successful musical career.
Chiwoniso Chimwangera
Chiwoniso is a lead vocalist, enjoys listening to motivational speakers and is interested in modelling.
Tawanda Makoni
Tawanda is a dancer who plays drums, hosho, marimba and mbira. He also enjoys soccer.
Lanlord Chivhanga
Lanlord plays marimba and mbira and also enjoys volleyball.
Read His Story
Lanlord's original story describes overcoming difficult childhood circumstances and developing confidence and hope through his experiences.
Become a Vaima Student
Interested in learning marimba, mbira, hosho, drums or other Zimbabwean musical traditions? Contact Vaima to enquire about available learning opportunities.
BECOME A STUDENTMusic Connects Us All
Vaima Arts Trust was founded in 2017 and is registered as a Trust in Zimbabwe. Join us in celebrating music, learning and inclusion.
GET IN TOUCHFounded in 2017, Vaima Arts Trust is registered as a Trust in ZImbabwe.