JOHANNESBURG - Exiled Zimbabwean Chimurenga musical guru, Thomas Mapfumo, is set to release a 10-track compact disc album in both South Africa and the United States before the end of this month. The compilation album carries 10 hot tracks, which fuse traditional instruments such as the mbira, hosho and marimba with modern instruments including the keyboard and trumpet to produce some catchy rhythms.
Mapfumo has released several new works since he fled Zimbabwe for the US six years ago, alleging his life was under threat from the then ruling Robert Mugabe regime due to his lyrics.
Songs on the CD include Ndangariro, Mwana WoMurombo, Ruvengo, Mukatiende (new version), Ruregerero, Karigamombe, Ndambakuudzwa, Rufaro, Vagere Kunaka and Taitora Neropa.
Mapfumo said he had been working on the CD for the past three years and had recorded in the United States. Distribution of the album would be worldwide, he said.
“I hope to launch this CD in Johannesburg, South Africa, in mid-September,” said Mapfumo, who revealed that after the CD launch, the Blacks Unlimited – Mapfumos backing group – would work on video recordings of the songs to boost album sales.
True to form, Mapfumo said the album concentrates on Zimbabwe’s worsening poverty at a time when the countrys rich were getting richer.
“What worries me most is that we fought for the country’s independence as one, but it is only a few who are enjoying better life in Zimbabwe. Instead of fighting poverty and addressing issues of service delivery, the organised crooks calling themselves government are busy buying expensive cars, staying in expensive hotels and failing to accounting for their actions,” said Mapfumo.
The outspoken musician said the album also tackles the issue of Zimbabwe using foreign currencies.
“Where is our own money? What happened to the Zimbabwe dollar? Why are we using other countries’ currencies? This points to serious maladministration,” said Mapfumo.
Mapfumo also disclosed that he would be returning to Zimbabwe.
“I’m coming back home before end of December. I would like to help rebuild my country and make Zimbabwe the African jewel it once was,” Mapfumo said.
He said he was not afraid of being arrested by police, as he had never wronged anyone.
Affectionately known as Mukanya by his legion of fans, Mapfumo is widely respected on the continent for his liberation songs and is seen as a champion of the oppressed and downtrodden.
Post published in: Music