Borough Life Winter 2006: Hohodza
Making Westleigh a centre for world music
IN the Shona language of Zimbabwe, Hohodza means “woodpecker”. It’s also a fitting way to describe Portia Gwanzura.
Since arriving in Westleigh from the southern African nation four years ago, she’s been chipping away to get the exciting band of musicians and dancers she leads the recognition they deserve.
The Hohodza Band is a musical phenomenon. Originally based in the Zimbabwean capital of Harare, the 13-strong group rose from humble beginnings in 1993 to become household names.
“I started by getting a group of students together who had just finished college and were interested in music or dance,” said Portia. “A lot of people said it would never work but we were very different from the other groups playing in Zimbabwe at that time because we tried to include as many different types of music and dance as we could.”
Since those early days the band has gone on to record 12 albums – the last two in Wigan – and have wowed thousands of people both in Africa and England.
The band were championed by the late John Peel and appeared on his show as well as Radio 3’s World Music stalwart Andy Kershaw’s show.
“When we had to move from Zimbabwe to England it was really difficult for us at first,” admitted Portia. “It was a very different culture to the one we were used to and it did take us a little while to get used to, but we were lucky enough to be able to speak English and people have always made us feel very welcome.”
Once Portia had settled into her new base on Westleigh’s Trees Estate and the other band members had also settled in Leigh, the hard work began.
“After building up our success in Zimbabwe this was a bit like starting out all over again,” said Portia. “But we have been determined to make a go of it again and it is beginning to pay off.”
The band has toured every part of the British Isles, from the West Country to Inverness. In Wigan they have given the annual Mesnes Park One World festival the real WOW factor by being a highlight in successive years.
“One aspect of performing that we really enjoy is playing at schools,” said Portia. “We make it a full day, dress the children up in African costume, and let them experience food, art, everything. It helps to break down barriers and educates young people about African culture.”
Since finding a new home in Leigh the Hohodza Band have received support from Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust.
The Trust’s community regeneration manager, Chris Wyatt, said: “Portia and the band are a tremendous asset to the borough. They are dedicated to working with its residents and forging links with schools and local organisations. They are committed to raising cultural awareness and educating the young and not so young about African traditions.”
While the Hohodza Band are hoping that their unique brand of world music will eventually conquer the world, they are certain about where home is.
“We want to make the Hohodza Band a big success,” said Portia. “We would like one day to maybe create a centre for African culture here that would benefit the whole community.
“We now see Leigh as our home, we love it and we will stay here forever.”
For more information on the music and dance sensation that is The Hohodza Band you can visit the website at www.hohodzaband.co.uk or contact 01942 604518.