HARARE - On Friday last week the National Sports Stadium was a hive of activity in celebration of President Robert Mugabes birthday, with musicians from across the country being coerced to perform for the aging despot. The 87-year-old leader was serenaded by some of Zimbabwes top musicians including Tongai Moyo, Alick Macheso, Sulumani Chimbetu and Freddy (Kapfupi) Majalima.
A top musician who asked not to be named said that he was approached to sing for Mugabe and also against sanctions.
I had no choice but to sing at the gala in order to demonstrate my patriotism, said the musician who was given US$2000 for his efforts.
It can be downright suicidal for any musician not to sing when approached by Zanu (PF). In 2004 prominent gospel musician, Charles Charamba, left the stage in a huff at a gala in Marondera. A few days later he was arrested for breaching the Prevention of Corruption Act. Chimurenga music maestro, Thomas Mapfumo, had to flee the country because his music was too critical of the government.
Leornard Zhakata, once rated the best musician in the country, has seen his popularity waning. His music is not played on the national radio stations because it is deemed to be too critical of Zanu (PF).
Andy Brown, Tambaoga, and even the late Simon Chimbetu were once Zanu (PF)s songbirds, but they have since fallen into obscurity after fans criticised them for dining with the devil.
Currently Zanu (PF) has its fingers in all of the urban grooves pies, and the youth bands have been singing their hearts out for Mugabe. If history repeats itself then it will certainly have the same effect on people like Sani Makhalima, Amos
Mahendere and the Born-Free-Crew; Zanu (PF) will use them and then abandon them. Tambaoga can attest to that.
Post published in: News