Nzira Yeparuware, which translates to ‘a path upon a rock’, runs until Thursday 30 November and has been created by Zimbabwe-born artist Tanatsei Gambura in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland (HES) who manages Edinburgh Castle, and the University.
The project was developed from field recordings taken at a selection of sites in Harare in Zimbabwe which were named after streets in Scottish places including Aberdeen, Angus, Edinburgh, Fife, Jedburgh, Lanark, Midlothian, Orkney, Perth and more.
Historical timelines
As visitors explore Edinburgh Castle, they will discover signposts at 10 locations across the castle, which correspond to a soundscape that should be listened to at that location. The sound files can be accessed by visitor’s own devices through a QR code.
At each location, visitors will hear a different soundscape which explores the lasting impact and complexities of Scottish colonialism, the connection of the Zimbabwean capital to Scotland through street names, and the parallels and contrasts between Edinburgh and Harare’s historical timelines.
In addition to field recordings, the soundscapes will also feature improvised musical responses performed in Edinburgh by members of the Composer's Orchestra as well as spoken words by the artist. The sounds play together in simulation to offer the visitor a multi-dimensional sonic experience.