Horniman Museum Late
Sekuru neVazukuru: The Spirit of Zimbabwe
7.45pm – 8.45pm | Gallery Square
Sekuru neVazukuru: The Spirit of Zimbabwe is an immersive cultural experience led by world-renowned mbira master and educator Sekuru. As part of the Musicians in Residence programme, this event transforms the Museum into a communal Zimbabwean village, where music, film, storytelling, and interactive workshops bring African culture and heritage to life.
This is more than a performance—it is a living cultural journey, where the past meets the present, and audiences become part of the rhythm, storytelling, and spirit of Zimbabwe.
Sekuru
A globally renowned mbira player, cultural educator, and musical ambassador, Gabriel “Sekuru” Makamanzi has dedicated his life to preserving and sharing Zimbabwean musical traditions. He has performed alongside icons like Thomas Mapfumo, Stella Chiweshe, and Shingai, bringing the spiritual and communal essence of mbira to audiences worldwide.
Takaona Bvure
Luke Brennan, New Art Exchange
A skilled mbira musician from Zimbabwe, Takaona Bvure was introduced to the instrument at an early age. His playing blends ancestral rhythms with a modern touch, making him a vital force in keeping Zimbabwean music alive and evolving. As co-founder of Njenjaz Mbira Sounds, he is dedicated to preserving and teaching mbira music to younger generations.
Dalia Majongwe
Luke Brennan, New Art Exchange
A versatile dancer and choreographer, Dalia Majongwe fuses Zimbabwean traditional movement with contemporary expression, bringing mbira music to life through expressive storytelling and rhythmic interpretations. Her performances embody the spiritual and communal essence of Zimbabwean dance, visually capturing its stories and emotions through movement.
John Pfumojena
Luke Brennan, New Art Exchange
An OBIE Award-winning composer, actor, and intercultural music specialist, John is renowned for integrating Zimbabwean oral traditions with contemporary music and theatre. As Founder of Meet My Ancestors Theatre Company, he champions the decolonisation of African music and storytelling, blending tradition with modern performance. Through his deep expertise in mbira and theatrical storytelling, John offers attendees an immersive introduction to the mbira instrument.
Object Handling
From 5.30pm | Gallery Square
See beautiful Zimbabwean mbriras up close, alongside other objects from the Horniman’s Handling Collection.
Film screening and talk
6.30pm – 7.15pm | Gallery Square
Join Sekuru for a deeper dive into the cultural, spiritual and ceremonial meaning of the mbira.
The Mbira and Heritage
7.15pm – 7.45pm | Music Gallery
Join John Pfumojena for an interactive talk on the heritage of the mbira, and learn more about the mbira collection at the Horniman.
The Mbira’s Journey
From 5.30pm | Music Gallery Performance Space
A short, looped film and soundscape, directed by Musician in Residence Sekuru in his native Zimbabwe which shows the mbira’s journey from construction to ceremonial use.
The Robot Zoo
Enter the fascinating world of The Robot Zoo and discover the mechanisms that give animals their amazing abilities. This interactive exhibition features larger-than-life animals that have been innovatively recreated using a variety of familiar machine parts and gadgets to reveal how their real life counterparts see, eat, hunt and hide.
Aquarium
Take a magical journey through rivers, seas and oceans in our highly acclaimed Aquarium.
Food and drink
Enjoy food and drink at the Horniman cafe during your visit to the Horniman Museum Late. Colicci serves memorable moments across London’s green spaces, alongside historic, iconic and cherished public spaces across the Capital – and now the Horniman!
Blue badge parking
If you require blue badge parking you will need to enter the Gardens via Horniman Drive if visiting before 7.30pm and via the London Road gate if entering after 7.30pm.
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Filming and photography may take place at these events. For more information or if you do not wish to be photographed/filmed, please speak to a member of staff.
