CHIMURENGA music played a crucial role in Africa’s fight for liberation from colonial rule.
BY WINSTONE ANTONIO
Pioneered by self-exiled Chimurenga music legend Thomas Tafirenyika Mapfumo during the liberation struggle, the Chimurenga genre played an instrumental role in rallying freedom fighters to take up arms against the oppressive while colonial rule.
Mapfumo’s music whipped emotions and strengthened the resolve of all the oppressed blacks to fight for independence. Some of the music has remained relevant and emotive to modern day the same way they were when they were composed. Song and dance played an important role in the liberation war.
Zimbabwe celebrates 35 years of independence, on April 18 and rising Chimurenga musician Jairos Chabvonga, is set to release two singles -Hutadzi and Kure Kwemeso Nzeve dzinonzwa- that would revive memories and encourage Zimbabweans to foster the values of the liberation struggle.
Chabvonga, who had temporarily suspended live shows to concentrate on shooting of a compilation DVD of his debut eight-track album Nevanji his album would remind people on how the nation attained independence from the repressive British colonial rule.
“As we celebrate 35 years of independence from the colonial bondage, I will be realising two singles as a way of celebrating and reminding people how music also helped in fighting to attain our freedom,” Chabvonga said.
“Chimurenga songs helped to instil grim determination and helped to unify the freedom fighters raising their morale to defeat the enemy. There is no more war, but as for now, message on my music is to fight the war for cultural revival and self-identity through our original traditional music derived from our day-to-day living as Africans.” Inspired by popular Mapfumo, Chabvonga who frontlines Ngorimba Afro Fusion Band, joined the band wagon of musicians trying to fill in the gap left by the Nyoka Musango singer.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
“It is every upcoming artiste’s aspiration to get the much-needed exposure and support to rise in the industry. Performing at Thomas Mapfumo’s album launch in February was a dream-come- true,” Chabvonga said. The Chitungwiza-bred musician said he has finished shooting videos of his debut album Nevanji which was directed by award winning Willard “Slimaz” Magombedze.
