News / National
Hosiah Chipanga says he is not Zanu-PF, but war veteran
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On November 4, 1977, Hosiah Chipanga, a renowned musician and emerging political figure, found himself plunged into a nightmare that would haunt him for years. Accused by the Rhodesian Forces' military intelligence of being a sell-out and an accomplice to liberation war fighters, Chipanga was imprisoned in a dank, overcrowded jail just outside Chimoio, Mozambique. The oppressive conditions stood in stark contrast to the vibrant melodies he had once shared with the world.
For nine long months, Chipanga endured physical and psychological torment. In a place where hope seemed as distant as the sun, he fought to retain his sanity amid the suffocating stench of despair. His ordeal, which included a relentless struggle with mental psychosis, would be a defining chapter of his life. Yet, through the darkness, he emerged not just as a survivor, but as a symbol of resilience.
In an exclusive interview with Standard Style in Mutare last Wednesday, Chipanga revisited the harrowing experiences of his past and reflected on his present, where he is once again a focal point in Zimbabwe's political and social conversations. Recently, some of his fans have accused him of aligning himself with President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the ruling Zanu-PF party, particularly after his performance at the launch of the Presidential War Veterans Fund at Dewedzo High School in Makoni West constituency.
Chipanga, famous for his outspoken critiques of the Zanu-PF government in the past, was quick to clarify his position. He explained that his involvement with state functions was not an endorsement of any political faction but rather a reflection of his role as a war veteran and a spiritual advisor. "I have never been against the government of the day," Chipanga stated. "I have always been in a spiritual advisory role. My intention is often misinterpreted as opposition."
In his words, he emphasized that his role at these events is to offer wisdom on the social and economic challenges Zimbabwe faces. "The situation right now needs God's intervention," Chipanga added, underscoring his belief that spiritual solutions are key to the country's recovery.
Chipanga also revisited the pivotal moment that led him to join the liberation struggle. On September 13, 1977, a significant dream compelled him to take action. He shared the pain of his arrest and detention by Rhodesian forces, describing the ordeal as transformative and life-altering. "This jail became my school of thought," Chipanga reflected, explaining how his time in captivity solidified his commitment to providing spiritual guidance to the nation.
Despite being blacklisted by state radio stations and enduring years of silence, Chipanga has remained steadfast in his mission to inspire future generations through his music. He voiced his frustration over the accusations against him, explaining that many fail to understand his complex history and intentions. "It is unfair for some sections to accuse me without understanding my history," he said.
Following his release in 1978 after the ceasefire, Chipanga released the single Kudai Ndakaziva, which was banned by the Ian Smith regime due to its timing around the 1980 general elections. "It's unfair for some to accuse me based on my past work because they do not know my history," he said.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Chipanga dominated the Zimbabwean airwaves with iconic songs such as Muchaneta, Mabasa, Gumi Remitemo, and Zvichandibatsirei, among others. However, the political tides turned against him in the new millennium, as his later albums Hero Shoko (2010), Mumweya (2014), and Gamba (2016) were banned for alleged political content. His works, which often carried poignant reflections on Zimbabwe's political and social climate, were deemed politically incorrect.
Chipanga expressed his sense of betrayal over the blacklisting, pointing out that despite his nearly 50 years of musical dedication, he faced harsh criticism and isolation. "No one was with me during these difficult times," he said. "Where were they when I needed them most?" The musician, who was often labeled an enemy of the state due to misinterpreted messages in his songs, described his mission as one of offering spiritual insight, not political opposition.
Despite the hurdles, Chipanga remains undeterred in his pursuit to address the country's problems through his music. He recounted efforts to meet with former President Robert Mugabe and the current president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, to discuss solutions to the country's challenges. "I tried to have a word with Mugabe and Mnangagwa on numerous occasions, but I was blocked by government officials," Chipanga said, expressing frustration that his ideas were dismissed as the ramblings of a madman. However, he remains resolute, vowing to continue sharing his knowledge of the nation's hidden truths.
Recently, Chipanga has made a strong comeback, performing at shows across the country, including a notable collaboration with sungura ace Alick Macheso. His performances have been met with raucous applause, signaling a revitalized connection with his fans. At a recent performance in Dewedzo, Chipanga delivered an unforgettable set, his energy and passion captivating the audience.
In a country where political tensions often cloud the landscape, Chipanga's call for spiritual intervention and national unity resonates with many. As he continues his journey as an artist and a voice for the people, Chipanga's story remains one of perseverance and hope, a testament to his unwavering commitment to both his art and his country.
For nine long months, Chipanga endured physical and psychological torment. In a place where hope seemed as distant as the sun, he fought to retain his sanity amid the suffocating stench of despair. His ordeal, which included a relentless struggle with mental psychosis, would be a defining chapter of his life. Yet, through the darkness, he emerged not just as a survivor, but as a symbol of resilience.
In an exclusive interview with Standard Style in Mutare last Wednesday, Chipanga revisited the harrowing experiences of his past and reflected on his present, where he is once again a focal point in Zimbabwe's political and social conversations. Recently, some of his fans have accused him of aligning himself with President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the ruling Zanu-PF party, particularly after his performance at the launch of the Presidential War Veterans Fund at Dewedzo High School in Makoni West constituency.
Chipanga, famous for his outspoken critiques of the Zanu-PF government in the past, was quick to clarify his position. He explained that his involvement with state functions was not an endorsement of any political faction but rather a reflection of his role as a war veteran and a spiritual advisor. "I have never been against the government of the day," Chipanga stated. "I have always been in a spiritual advisory role. My intention is often misinterpreted as opposition."
In his words, he emphasized that his role at these events is to offer wisdom on the social and economic challenges Zimbabwe faces. "The situation right now needs God's intervention," Chipanga added, underscoring his belief that spiritual solutions are key to the country's recovery.
Chipanga also revisited the pivotal moment that led him to join the liberation struggle. On September 13, 1977, a significant dream compelled him to take action. He shared the pain of his arrest and detention by Rhodesian forces, describing the ordeal as transformative and life-altering. "This jail became my school of thought," Chipanga reflected, explaining how his time in captivity solidified his commitment to providing spiritual guidance to the nation.
Despite being blacklisted by state radio stations and enduring years of silence, Chipanga has remained steadfast in his mission to inspire future generations through his music. He voiced his frustration over the accusations against him, explaining that many fail to understand his complex history and intentions. "It is unfair for some sections to accuse me without understanding my history," he said.
Following his release in 1978 after the ceasefire, Chipanga released the single Kudai Ndakaziva, which was banned by the Ian Smith regime due to its timing around the 1980 general elections. "It's unfair for some to accuse me based on my past work because they do not know my history," he said.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Chipanga dominated the Zimbabwean airwaves with iconic songs such as Muchaneta, Mabasa, Gumi Remitemo, and Zvichandibatsirei, among others. However, the political tides turned against him in the new millennium, as his later albums Hero Shoko (2010), Mumweya (2014), and Gamba (2016) were banned for alleged political content. His works, which often carried poignant reflections on Zimbabwe's political and social climate, were deemed politically incorrect.
Chipanga expressed his sense of betrayal over the blacklisting, pointing out that despite his nearly 50 years of musical dedication, he faced harsh criticism and isolation. "No one was with me during these difficult times," he said. "Where were they when I needed them most?" The musician, who was often labeled an enemy of the state due to misinterpreted messages in his songs, described his mission as one of offering spiritual insight, not political opposition.
Despite the hurdles, Chipanga remains undeterred in his pursuit to address the country's problems through his music. He recounted efforts to meet with former President Robert Mugabe and the current president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, to discuss solutions to the country's challenges. "I tried to have a word with Mugabe and Mnangagwa on numerous occasions, but I was blocked by government officials," Chipanga said, expressing frustration that his ideas were dismissed as the ramblings of a madman. However, he remains resolute, vowing to continue sharing his knowledge of the nation's hidden truths.
Recently, Chipanga has made a strong comeback, performing at shows across the country, including a notable collaboration with sungura ace Alick Macheso. His performances have been met with raucous applause, signaling a revitalized connection with his fans. At a recent performance in Dewedzo, Chipanga delivered an unforgettable set, his energy and passion captivating the audience.
In a country where political tensions often cloud the landscape, Chipanga's call for spiritual intervention and national unity resonates with many. As he continues his journey as an artist and a voice for the people, Chipanga's story remains one of perseverance and hope, a testament to his unwavering commitment to both his art and his country.
Source - the standard
