Opinion / Columnist
Mukanya, the great Chimurenga guru
4 hrs ago | Views
Born Thomas Tafirenyika Muchadura Mapfumo. The epitome of a Chimurenga music guru. With a career spanning over 50 years, Mapfumo, whom his followers call Gandanga, has not let them down. Listening to Thomas and the Blacks Unlimited is an amazing experience.
He is referred to as the Hurricane Hugo by some and the Lion of Zimbabwe by others. We honour Thomas Tafirenyika Mapfumo, our living legend, who has seen it all - from the liberation war to modern-day Zimbabwe - and is another courageous voice for the voiceless.
Thomas Mapfumo has announced what is being billed as his final performance, set for Birmingham, UK, this August.
Now at 79, turning 80 next month, this man has given us good music for a very long time.
I think it was going to be a brilliant idea to do his last show in Zimbabwe, but due to the political reasons, he cannot do that, and it was going to be a good farewell.
Even if it's time to hang up the mic, Mukanya's legacy will live on. His music is so unique; Mukanya is original.
The legendary music composer who has travelled so well in the industry, conscientising the majority of the people on social, economic and political issues affecting them.
A Black consciousness, a representative and custodian of African culture through music. Our very own musical icon, a long journey for him it has been. We grew up listening to his music and are now growing old with it. We cannot talk about Zimbabwean music without mentioning Mukanya.
Hail Chimurenga music guru. Wish he would take his final bow on his home soil, our motherland Zimbabwe. This man is a legend and should be honoured whilst he lives. His music is timeless; he has done Africa proud with his beautiful beats and powerful messages. One musician with integrity who believes in and lives what he sings about.
Hopefully he will entertain his fans with his rich Chimurenga music.
His songs are replete with political lyrics in which he discusses corruption and the difficulties that the average Zimbabwean faces. His song "Corruption", which revealed the widespread corruption in the nation, was once played in the air before being outlawed by Mugabe's government.
Bhutsu Mutandarika-
The song itself is a classic within Mapfumo's repertoire, often associated with the Chimurenga genre, which emerged during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and reflects themes of resistance and social justice. It is featured in performances and albums like Chimurenga Unlimited Hits Vol. 1 and has been noted for its cultural and historical significance in Zimbabwean music. Mapfumo's work often uses metaphor and allegory. We salute our living legend.
Email - konileonard606@gmail.com
X - @Leokoni
He is referred to as the Hurricane Hugo by some and the Lion of Zimbabwe by others. We honour Thomas Tafirenyika Mapfumo, our living legend, who has seen it all - from the liberation war to modern-day Zimbabwe - and is another courageous voice for the voiceless.
Thomas Mapfumo has announced what is being billed as his final performance, set for Birmingham, UK, this August.
Now at 79, turning 80 next month, this man has given us good music for a very long time.
I think it was going to be a brilliant idea to do his last show in Zimbabwe, but due to the political reasons, he cannot do that, and it was going to be a good farewell.
Even if it's time to hang up the mic, Mukanya's legacy will live on. His music is so unique; Mukanya is original.
The legendary music composer who has travelled so well in the industry, conscientising the majority of the people on social, economic and political issues affecting them.
Hail Chimurenga music guru. Wish he would take his final bow on his home soil, our motherland Zimbabwe. This man is a legend and should be honoured whilst he lives. His music is timeless; he has done Africa proud with his beautiful beats and powerful messages. One musician with integrity who believes in and lives what he sings about.
Hopefully he will entertain his fans with his rich Chimurenga music.
His songs are replete with political lyrics in which he discusses corruption and the difficulties that the average Zimbabwean faces. His song "Corruption", which revealed the widespread corruption in the nation, was once played in the air before being outlawed by Mugabe's government.
Bhutsu Mutandarika-
The song itself is a classic within Mapfumo's repertoire, often associated with the Chimurenga genre, which emerged during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and reflects themes of resistance and social justice. It is featured in performances and albums like Chimurenga Unlimited Hits Vol. 1 and has been noted for its cultural and historical significance in Zimbabwean music. Mapfumo's work often uses metaphor and allegory. We salute our living legend.
Email - konileonard606@gmail.com
X - @Leokoni
Source - Leonard Koni
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