Mukege’s art goes beyond barracks

BY SHARRON MYAMBO

HAILING from a rural background cannot prevent one from becoming a shining star in the musical world. This is the case of Taurai Mangoma Mukege whose passion for music has led him to the highest level of music in the Zimbabwe’s military circles.

Born on 50 years ago in Chipinge, Zimbabwe, Mukege’s educational foundation was laid at Nyanyadzi High School in Chimanimani. From these humble beginnings, he went on to pursue formal music studies at Africa University, graduating with a Degree in Music between 2009 and 2011.

His professional training has been nothing short of comprehensive. He studied with Zimbabwe College of Music and earned qualifications in Jazz and Improvisation, as well as a Grade Five Theory of Music certificate in 2005. He completed a Band Masters Course with the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services from 2007 to 2008, and later obtained a Certificate in Advanced Music in Pakistan in 2014.

Mukege’s career in music began in earnest with the Zimbabwe Signals Band, where he served first as a Bandsman for three years, before taking on the role of Traditional Dance Band Leader for another three years, and ultimately rising to the position of Band Master, a role he held for eight years. His exceptional leadership and musicianship did not go unnoticed, and he was recruited by the Zimbabwe Army Band, where he served as Assistant Director of Music from 2019 to 2024, before being promoted to Director of Music in 2024, a position he holds to this day.

In addition to his military band duties, Mukege has also served as Director of Arts and Music for Ngomakurira Arts Networks Zimbabwe since 2019, demonstrating his commitment to nurturing the arts beyond the barracks.

His achievements on the competition circuit are equally impressive. He has led his ensembles to first place at the National Jikinya Festival in 2013, 2016, 2017 and 2024, cementing his reputation as a master of traditional dance and music. He also secured first position in the Tertiary Institutions Festival of Arts in Zimbabwe (TIFAZ) competition with Morgen Zintec and took second runners-up with Belvedere Technical Teachers College. His scholarly contributions include co-authorship of the Africa Dance Book, a valuable resource for students and practitioners alike.

Mukege’s skill set is remarkably broad. He is proficient in teaching both African and Western music, instructing traditional dance, playing a wide range of Western and African instruments, and transcribing music for various ensembles. His interests extend beyond music to include art, dance, and both watching and playing soccer.

A married father of four, Mukege currently resides in Harare. With a career that shows no signs of slowing down, he continues to inspire the next generation of Zimbabwean musicians through his teaching, leadership and unwavering dedication to his craft.

Mukege is to grace the 2026 edition of Ndau Festival of the Arts at Paiyepo Arts & Cultural Centre, Chikore, Chipinge in Zimbabwe. The 2026 edition of cultural tourism Ndau Festival of the Arts shall run under the theme: “Ndau Creative Unplugged: Local artistes, writers, and performers pushing boundaries in cultural and economic empowerment.”