Thomas Mapfumo blamed for the 'death' of chimurenga music

Chimurenga artiste Jairos Chabvonga has blamed self-exiled musician Thomas Mapfumo for the "death" of chimurenga music in the country.

Chabvonga, one of the few visible traditional  music artistes in the country, told the Daily News that the once popular genre is now playing second fiddle to many genres such as Zimdancehall because of Mapfumo's absence since early 2000s.

"I am trying to uphold the legacy of chimurenga music but fans seem no longer interested in the genre considering that Mukanya who is face the of the genre seems to have abandoned it.

"Therefore, for the sake of continuity of chimurenga music, which is our heritage, I urge Mukanya to quickly return home or just to come for concerts," Chabvonga said.

Chabvonga added that it is difficult to propel the legacy while one is away.

"Musicians such as Oliver Mtukudzi are doing well locally and internationally because they are still satisfying their local fans with music and live shows.

"Mukanya should simply come home," he said.

Since he launched his musical career a couple of years ago, Chabvonga rose to become one of the few consistent artistes in the traditional (chimurenga) music circles.

"Chimurenga music constitutes our heritage and identity as Zimbabweans, it distinguishes us from the rest of the world hence, I do not want to see it dying as a result I am going out of my way to prevent it from extinction," the ngorimba Afro-Fusion leader said.

In trying to revive the genre, Chabvonga has released three albums— Nevanji, Chimurenga Highway and Chimurenga Heritage.

He also collaborated with a number of popular artistes such as Soul Jah Love, Dino Mudondo and Andy Muridzo among others — all meant to popularise the Chimurenga beat.

His collaboration with Zimdancehall artiste Soul Jah Love is topping charts at local radio stations.