The extraordinary Stella Rambisai Chiweshe learned the Mbira in the former Rhodesia at a time when it was forbidden for a woman to play the instrument and also the colonial regime had banned any cultural activities. Played in forbidden spiritual ceremonies, the instrument carried the ever present danger of imprisonment. With independence in 1974, and the founding of Zimbabwe, Stella signed to Teal Records, recording more than 20 singles, and in 1979 formed the band Earthquake.

Extensive touring of Asia, the far East and Europe followed, including prestige concerts in East Berlin. Always a passionate campaigner she took part in the Beat Apartheid Road Tour in Germany and in 1989 became the founder member of the "Mother Earth women’s group" in Zimbabwe. Led her first workshop with 100 women in Cardiff/South Wales as a teacher, and a European tour with the Earthquake Band same year...

In the 1990s she toured extensively with her Mbira Ensemble, including a solo performance in front of 10,000 people at WOMAD. In 1998 she took part in the "Global Divas" tour in the USA sharing the stage with Susana Baca (Peru) and Tish Hinojosa (New Mexico) through more than 30 concerts. A European tour and a number of radio recordings in the Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, and Germany followed with with the Trio.

The last nine years have seen more touring and record releases, with concerts being performed at prestigious venues across the globe. She has also been honoured by her homeland with her award of a Masters in Arts degree from the University of Zimbabwe.