Chimurenga Singles--Thomas Mapfumo--The Lion of Zimbabwe

Our Country is Becoming A Desert

This collection of singles was created in the 70's when during the Zimbabwean independence movement in what was then Rhodesia. The Chimurenga movement gave a voice to this movement, though a lot of what was sung had to be expressed indirectly, in couched terms, in an attempt to avoid being silenced by the authorities. The songs on this disc were both with the Acid Band, and with Blacks Unlimited. As the independence movement grew, his music was banned and he was harassed and eventually jailed by the government for a time. He is one of the most famous musicians in his country. Due to the unfortunate situation the country is in today, apparently he is currently in exile in the United States.

Even though I don't speak the language, it is definitely some of the nicest sounding political music you could find. It seems to be a difficult tightrope to do, right about relevant things without coming off as too preachy or affected. From the translated lyrics in the liner notes, you can see that a lot of the music is about  the struggles for freedom, the hardships and frustrations of life. And these theme resonated with the Zimbabwean people, young and old.

For instance in Pfumvu Pa Ruzevha (Hardships in the Rural Areas):

Have you seen the hardships in the rural areas? The hardships at home?
Ah, hey, that's why I am a pauper.

or in Munhu Mutema (Black People):

What bother you grandmas--you always cry everyday?
What are the snags, brothers--to make you cry all the time?

In Chauya Chirizevha (Rural Life is Back)

The Chief was really saddened
seeing all his people come back--to Rural Life.

Some lost their legs
Some died there (in the bush)
Some died in their homes
Some fled their homes because of the war.

There is a nice shambling dance rhythm to the music in general, and sunny guitar riffing and in some songs some good horn work. Though the lyrics are no doubt the most important component of the songs, you can also simply enjoy the music. Overall I think that this disc is an essential component of any African music collection.