Music of Zimbabwe
Encyclopedia
Zimbabwe
an music
includes folk
and pop
styles, much of it based on the well-known instrument the mbira
which is also popular in many other African countries. An annual Zimbabwe Music Festival is held each year in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. People from all over the world attend this festival and share the experience of Zimbabwean music and culture. Popular genres in Zimbabwe include native Chimurenga
and imported rumba, soukous
and rock and roll
. See also: Shona music
. Some songs include "Freedom" a song that is very simple but effective, played on the mbira but can be played on the keyboard or bass guitar.
, often called a thumb piano
, is an integral part of Zimbabwean music. It is played while in a halved calabash
which amplifies the sound and distorts it using shells or bottle caps placed around the edges. Though musicologist Hugh Tracey
believed the mbira to be nearing extinction in the 1930s, the instrument has been revived since the 60s and 70s, and has gained an international following through the world music
scene. Some renowned mbira players include Dumisani Maraire
, Ephat Mujuru
, Forward Kwenda
, Stella Chiweshe
, Chartwell Dutiro
, Beauler Dyoko, Cosmas Magaya
, Musekiwa Chingodza, Hakurotwi Mude, Chiwoniso Maraire
and Tute Chigamba.
Mbira DzeNjari is a mbira music genre popular along the eastern border of Zimbabwe. The mbira instrument has 32 keys, far more complicated than other types of mbira instruments. Not a lot is known about this type of mbira. Foreign students from University of Washington
recorded some of the music during the Zimbabwe liberation war in Zimunya
communal lands from prominent musicians in the area like Mombo Chiwanza and Nyika Musabayana Zimunya. The latter recorded one known single at Gramma Records, titled: Adzimai garaimwandichema. Other leading mbira groups include MbiraDzenharira, Maungira Enharira and Mbira Dzechirorodziva
There is also pop music in Zimbabwe that incorporates their indigenous instruments. Although the mbira is traditionally played as ceremonial music to call spirits, there are many who play it in world-fusion music and get successful radio play and album sales in Zimbabwe and other countries in Africa. For example, mbira player Chris Berry
with his band Panjea have reached platinum record sales in Zimbabwe and Mozambique
, playing a style of music based on traditional mbira rhythms and melodies, but incorporating various other instruments and styles (like hip-hop and dancehall
).
Simon Chimbetu
(guitar and vocals) Naison Chimbetu, Ronnie Chataika, Michael Jambo (drums), Ephraim Joe (guitar), Moses Marasha (bass), Never Moyo (lead guitar), Bata Sinfirio (rhythm guitar), System Tazvida
(guitar and vocals).
The Khiama Boys emerged as natural successors to the Sungura Boys after their demise during the mid eighties. Members would include System Tazvida, Nicholas Zacharia, Alick Macheso and Zakaria Zacharia. A great number of these artistes have gone on to forge successful careers with their own bands whilst Nicholas Zacharia has remained as the leader of the band and is still active as of 2008.
James Chimombe
,whose romantic ballads and the influential sungura guitar melody, (consisting of Lead, Rhythm and base,) made him the a favorite of late 80s. As he played at popular night spots before he became a permanent resident at Club Hide Out 99 which anybody who was somebody, revelled at from Politicians, Businessmen, Celebrities and all who wanted to have a good time.
The 90s was dominated by musicians include Leonard Dembo
, the effervescent Khiama Boys, veteran Simon Chimbetu and up coming artistes Alick Macheso
, Tongai Moyo
and Somadhla Ndebele. The star of the decade was non other than Leonard Zhakata
whose musical project was a spin off of the double play Maungwe Brothers, an act fronted by Zhakata and his cousin Thomas Makion.
The decade 2000 till presence has been characterised by a wrangle for the crown for the kingship of Sungura between the two great superstars of the decade, Alick Macheso and Tongai Moyo. Having dominated sales, tour and concert attendances, the heckling and counter heckling by the artists at shows and in some recorded material is strong proof that there is little doubt that the current feud is far from end.
Other artists to come through this decade include Joseph Garakara, Gift Amuli and Daiton Somanje.
in Zimbabwe after Paul Matavire's hit song Yakauya AIDS iriko.
is a generic term for electric guitar-driven pop, and includes wildly popular groups like the New Black Eagles and the Four Brothers
. Internationally, The Bhundu Boys are by far the best-known jit performers, and have worked with numerous American and British musicians.
but its popularity has inspired Zimbabwe's own brand of rumba in musicians such as Simon Chimbetu
and Leonard Karikoga Zhakata. Soukos has been an influence on other artists such as The R.U.N.N. family
. Nowadays, Zimbabwean rumba is more popular than imported rumba.
was the first star of Zimbabwean gospel, and the genre has continued to grow in popularity. Brian Sibalo and Mechanic Manyeruke also became very popular in the early nineties.
The mid nineties saw the rising of new gospel stars in the mold of Ivy Kombo - Moyo and Carol Mujokoro
of the EGEA gospel Train whose dubut album Mufudzi Wangu was released in 1994 and contains tracks such as "Be Thou My Vision", "Ndotarisa Kumakomo" and "Utiziro" among others. The two went on to pursue successful solo musical careers and released "Ndaidziwanepi Nyasha" and Ropa RaJesu as their debut solo albums respectively.
Other gospel artists who emerged from the nineties include Lawrence Haisa, Brother Sam with his hits "Makanaka Jesu" and "Cherechedza", Elias Musakwa, Rita Shinhiwa, The Gospel Trumpet of the "Rose Of Sharon" fame and Shingisai Suluma who only became popular in the early two thousands with the hit song "Mirira Mangwanani"; though she first recorded in the nineties.
In the late-nineties, Charles Charamba, a rising artist, grew in popularity, and currently holds gospel sales records. His music became popular into the first decade of the 21st century, most likely due to his Sungura-based contemporary style.
In the early two thousands, a lot of gospel artists also recorded, though a few really rose to stardom. These include Fungisai Zvakavapano - Mashavave who has risen to become the most dominant female gospel musician in the current era, Stanley Gwanzura (Pastor Gee), Kudzai Nyakudya and gospel a cappella
outfits like Vabati VaJehovah and Shower Power
-dominated region of the southwest of Zimbabwe, including the city Bulawayo
, has been instrumental in the development of Zimbabwean music. Seminal 1950s guitarist George Sibanda had a following across Africa, and Dorothy Masuka
was a major player on the South African jazz scene, for example. Among the most popular performers of the region within Zimbabwe, however, was 1980s Ndebele pop sensation Lovemore Majaivana
. Ndebele musicians who are active are Black Umfolosi, Insingizi Majahawodwa Ndlovu, Sandra Ndebele, Lwazi Tshabangu, Kuxxman,Go Boyz, Achuzi, Beate Mangethe, Vusa Mkhaya, Afrika Revenge and Ramadu
. The marginalisation of Bulawayo artists in Zimbabwe saw the influence of South African music dominating hence the emergence of kwaito music in Bulawayo pioneered by Go-Boyz in 1996 and more groups like GTI, Achuzi, Amagangsters etc. emerged.A brand of Jazz was created in Bulawayo,in the 1940s and 1950s, and made was popular by August Musarurwa with his African Dance Band of the Cold Storage Commission of Southern Rhodesia . He recorded the legendary song Sikokiana which went on to be recorded in USA by Louis Amstrong and many others.
, Louis Mhlanga
, John Chibadura, Steve Makoni
, Bhundu Boys
and many others. Off note however is Thomas Mapfumo
, whose lyrics are mainly political and encourage good leadership and rising against bad governance - Most of his albums are named after a word meaning Uprising
or War of Liberation
, "Chimurenga
". His music has earned him the wrath of the ZANU-PF government resulting in the banning of most of his music on state owned radio and TV. Another outstanding musician with striking lyrics is the late System Tazvida
of the Chazezesa Challengers
. His lyrics were mainly centered on the subject of "Love
" and this gained him popularity with songs like "Anodyiwa Haataure", "Ukarambwa Usachema", "Vanotipedzera Mashoko" and "Dai Hanzvadzi Yairoorwa".
With the coming of "Urban Grooves" the lyrics content is resembling that of American RnB, Hip Hop and Pop music which the younger generations listen to. One artist Maskiri is known for imitating Eminem
's style of controversial lyrics.
. The policy required all radio stations to play only music by local artists for the sake of promoting local talent. This policy was reversed after the expulsion of the Information Minister from government in 2005. The 100% local content policy saw the rising of many new artists like Sanii Makhalima, Roy and Royce, David Chifunyise, Roqui, Leonard Mapfumo, Stach, Betty Makaya, Extra Large, Maskiri
to mention a few. The style of music closely resembles American Rap, Hip Hop, RnB, Soul and other international music genres.
This "imitation" of the West has resulted in Urban Grooves being unpopular with older listeners and artists who accuse the younger generation of shunning their cultural music and identity. At the moment a young lady that has somewhat tried to increase popularity in the Southern African region is Tia. One of her videos was showcased on the popular African Music Channel (Channel O) and this saw her gaining ground on most urban groovers. However, Channel O has not discriminated against any musicians in Zimbabwe and has actually encouraged them to bring forth their music videos. To assist these young talented Urban Groovers in their quest for perfection is a company known as Broadshow Events owned by (Sharon Chatambudza) closely working together with (Kevin Mafunga-Events Co-ordinator). Some of the young talent that the company has signed so far includes the top brass of the Urban Groovers Rocqui, Stunner and XQ.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country located in the southern part of the African continent, between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers. It is bordered by South Africa to the south, Botswana to the southwest, Zambia and a tip of Namibia to the northwest and Mozambique to the east. Zimbabwe has three...
an music
Music
Music is an art form whose medium is sound and silence. Its common elements are pitch , rhythm , dynamics, and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture...
includes folk
Folk music
Folk music is an English term encompassing both traditional folk music and contemporary folk music. The term originated in the 19th century. Traditional folk music has been defined in several ways: as music transmitted by mouth, as music of the lower classes, and as music with unknown composers....
and pop
Popular music
Popular music belongs to any of a number of musical genres "having wide appeal" and is typically distributed to large audiences through the music industry. It stands in contrast to both art music and traditional music, which are typically disseminated academically or orally to smaller, local...
styles, much of it based on the well-known instrument the mbira
Mbira
In African music, the mbira is a musical instrument that consists of a wooden board to which staggered metal keys have been attached. It is often fitted into a resonator...
which is also popular in many other African countries. An annual Zimbabwe Music Festival is held each year in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. People from all over the world attend this festival and share the experience of Zimbabwean music and culture. Popular genres in Zimbabwe include native Chimurenga
Chimurenga music
Chimurenga music is a Zimbabwean popular music genre coined and popularised by Thomas Mapfumo. Chimurenga is a Shona language word for struggle. The word's modern interpretation has been extended to describe a struggle for human rights, political dignity and social justice...
and imported rumba, soukous
Soukous
Soukous is a dance music genre that originated in the two neighbouring countries of Belgian Congo and French Congo during the 1930s and early 1940s, and which has gained popularity throughout Africa...
and rock and roll
Rock and roll
Rock and roll is a genre of popular music that originated and evolved in the United States during the late 1940s and early 1950s, primarily from a combination of African American blues, country, jazz, and gospel music...
. See also: Shona music
Shona music
Shona music is the music of the Shona people of Zimbabwe. There are several different types of traditional Shona music including mbira, singing, hosho and drumming. Very often, this music will be accompanied by dancing, and participation by the audience...
. Some songs include "Freedom" a song that is very simple but effective, played on the mbira but can be played on the keyboard or bass guitar.
Mbira
The mbiraMbira
In African music, the mbira is a musical instrument that consists of a wooden board to which staggered metal keys have been attached. It is often fitted into a resonator...
, often called a thumb piano
Thumb piano
The thumb piano is an African musical instrument, a type of plucked idiophone common throughout Sub-Saharan Africa.-Description:Each note of a kalimba, mbira, etc. is a separate idiophone, and in orchestral terms, the instrument as a whole belongs in the bar percussion family...
, is an integral part of Zimbabwean music. It is played while in a halved calabash
Calabash
Lagenaria siceraria , bottle gourd, opo squash or long melon is a vine grown for its fruit, which can either be harvested young and used as a vegetable, or harvested mature, dried, and used as a bottle, utensil, or pipe. For this reason, the calabash is widely known as the bottle gourd...
which amplifies the sound and distorts it using shells or bottle caps placed around the edges. Though musicologist Hugh Tracey
Hugh Tracey
Hugh Tracey was an important twentieth century ethnomusicologist. He and his wife collected and archived music from Southern and Central Africa. He began making field recordings of music in the early 20's, through the 70's....
believed the mbira to be nearing extinction in the 1930s, the instrument has been revived since the 60s and 70s, and has gained an international following through the world music
World music
World music is a term with widely varying definitions, often encompassing music which is primarily identified as another genre. This is evidenced by world music definitions such as "all of the music in the world" or "somebody else's local music"...
scene. Some renowned mbira players include Dumisani Maraire
Dumisani Maraire
Abraham Dumisani Maraire , known to friends as "Dumi," was a master performer of the mbira, a traditional instrument of the Shona ethnic group of Zimbabwe. He specialized in the form of mbira called nyunga nyunga, as well as the Zimbabwean marimba...
, Ephat Mujuru
Ephat Mujuru
Ephat Mujuru , a Zimbabwean musician, was one of the 20th century's finest players of the mbira, a traditional instrument of the Shona ethnic group of Zimbabwe.-Biography:...
, Forward Kwenda
Forward Kwenda
Forward Kwenda is a mbira performer from Zimbabwe. He was born in the rural Buhera area in Manicaland, an area known for its fierce resistance to colonial rulers and respect for Shona tradition. As a young boy, Forward excelled in traditional dance and recitation of ancient poetry...
, Stella Chiweshe
Stella Chiweshe
Stella Chiweshe is a Zimbabwean musician. She is internationally known for her singing and playing of the mbira dzavadzimu, a traditional instrument of the Shona people of Zimbabwe...
, Chartwell Dutiro
Chartwell Dutiro
Chartwell Shorayi Dutiro started playing mbira when he was four at the protected village, Kagande, about two hours drive from Harare where his family was moved by the Salvation Army missionaries during the Chimurenga. Even though the missionaries had banned traditional music, he learned to play...
, Beauler Dyoko, Cosmas Magaya
Cosmas Magaya
Cosmas Magaya is a renowned Zimbabwean mbira player and teacher. Raised in the rural areas surrounging Mhondoro, he appears in the recordings of longime friend and musicologist Paul Berliner's The Soul of Mbira released by Nonesuch Records....
, Musekiwa Chingodza, Hakurotwi Mude, Chiwoniso Maraire
Chiwoniso Maraire
Chiwoniso Maraire is an accomplished singer, songwriter, and exponent of Zimbabwean mbira music. She is the daughter of famed mbira master Dumisani Maraire....
and Tute Chigamba.
Mbira DzeNjari is a mbira music genre popular along the eastern border of Zimbabwe. The mbira instrument has 32 keys, far more complicated than other types of mbira instruments. Not a lot is known about this type of mbira. Foreign students from University of Washington
University of Washington
University of Washington is a public research university, founded in 1861 in Seattle, Washington, United States. The UW is the largest university in the Northwest and the oldest public university on the West Coast. The university has three campuses, with its largest campus in the University...
recorded some of the music during the Zimbabwe liberation war in Zimunya
Zimunya
Zimunya is a village in the province of Manicaland, Zimbabwe located 15 km south of Mutare in the Zimunya communal land. According to the 1982 Population Census, the village had a population of 1,381....
communal lands from prominent musicians in the area like Mombo Chiwanza and Nyika Musabayana Zimunya. The latter recorded one known single at Gramma Records, titled: Adzimai garaimwandichema. Other leading mbira groups include MbiraDzenharira, Maungira Enharira and Mbira Dzechirorodziva
There is also pop music in Zimbabwe that incorporates their indigenous instruments. Although the mbira is traditionally played as ceremonial music to call spirits, there are many who play it in world-fusion music and get successful radio play and album sales in Zimbabwe and other countries in Africa. For example, mbira player Chris Berry
Chris Berry
Chris Berry is a master of both mbira and the ngoma drum, from the Shona people of Southern Africa. He has earned the title of gwenyambira , a distinction reserved only for those who have achieved the highest fusion of the technical and the magical in Shona music...
with his band Panjea have reached platinum record sales in Zimbabwe and Mozambique
Mozambique
Mozambique, officially the Republic of Mozambique , is a country in southeastern Africa bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east, Tanzania to the north, Malawi and Zambia to the northwest, Zimbabwe to the west and Swaziland and South Africa to the southwest...
, playing a style of music based on traditional mbira rhythms and melodies, but incorporating various other instruments and styles (like hip-hop and dancehall
Dancehall
Dancehall is a genre of Jamaican popular music that originated in the late 1970s. Initially dancehall was a more sparse version of reggae than the roots style, which had dominated much of the 1970s. In the mid-1980s, digital instrumentation became more prevalent, changing the sound considerably,...
).
Sungura
This is the local genre of the Zimbabwe music industry. Sungura music became popular in the early 1980s, pioneered by frontman Ephraim Joe and his band Sungura Boys which counted many notable future hitmakers as members. their roll included John Chibadura (guitar)Simon Chimbetu
Simon Chimbetu
Simon Chopper Chimbetu was a Zimbabwean guitarist, vocalist and composer. He was the founding member his band Orchestra Dendera Kings.-Early life:...
(guitar and vocals) Naison Chimbetu, Ronnie Chataika, Michael Jambo (drums), Ephraim Joe (guitar), Moses Marasha (bass), Never Moyo (lead guitar), Bata Sinfirio (rhythm guitar), System Tazvida
System Tazvida
System Tazvida was a Zimbabwean musician very popular in his home country mainly in the 1990s, though not as well known internationally. Tazvida wrote and performed songs mainly in his native Shona tongue....
(guitar and vocals).
The Khiama Boys emerged as natural successors to the Sungura Boys after their demise during the mid eighties. Members would include System Tazvida, Nicholas Zacharia, Alick Macheso and Zakaria Zacharia. A great number of these artistes have gone on to forge successful careers with their own bands whilst Nicholas Zacharia has remained as the leader of the band and is still active as of 2008.
James Chimombe
James Chimombe
James Chimombe was a Zimbabwean vocalist and a guitarist. His career included stints with OK Success, the Acid Band, the Ocean City Band, and the Huchi Band. His music melded Kenyan, South African, and Congolese influences into Zimbabwean music...
,whose romantic ballads and the influential sungura guitar melody, (consisting of Lead, Rhythm and base,) made him the a favorite of late 80s. As he played at popular night spots before he became a permanent resident at Club Hide Out 99 which anybody who was somebody, revelled at from Politicians, Businessmen, Celebrities and all who wanted to have a good time.
The 90s was dominated by musicians include Leonard Dembo
Leonard Dembo
Leonard Tazvivinga Dembo was a Zimbabwean guitar-band musician who became extremely popular in Zimbabwe during the 1990s with his band the 'Barura Express'.-Early life and education:...
, the effervescent Khiama Boys, veteran Simon Chimbetu and up coming artistes Alick Macheso
Alick Macheso
Alick Macheso is a contemporary musician, often referred to as the king of sungura. Born and raised in Shamva, Alick rose to fame in the late 1990s as a solo artist with Orchestra Mberikwazvo. He is well known throughout all of Africa as one of the most successful African singers and ranked among...
, Tongai Moyo
Tongai Moyo
Tongai Moyo was a contemporary Zimbabwean musician, often referred to as Dhewa. Born and raised in Kwekwe, Dhewa rose to fame in the late 1990s as a solo-artist with the Utakataka express...
and Somadhla Ndebele. The star of the decade was non other than Leonard Zhakata
Leonard Zhakata
Leonard Karikoga Zhakata is a Zimbabwean musician and singer. He writes and performs songs mainly in his native Shona tongue....
whose musical project was a spin off of the double play Maungwe Brothers, an act fronted by Zhakata and his cousin Thomas Makion.
The decade 2000 till presence has been characterised by a wrangle for the crown for the kingship of Sungura between the two great superstars of the decade, Alick Macheso and Tongai Moyo. Having dominated sales, tour and concert attendances, the heckling and counter heckling by the artists at shows and in some recorded material is strong proof that there is little doubt that the current feud is far from end.
Other artists to come through this decade include Joseph Garakara, Gift Amuli and Daiton Somanje.
Tuku Music
Oliver "Tuku" Mtukudzi is a prolific recorder who has also appeared in films like Jit. He plays in a plethora of styles, and is known for penetrating lyrics; for example, he wrote a second song about AIDSAIDS
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is a disease of the human immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus...
in Zimbabwe after Paul Matavire's hit song Yakauya AIDS iriko.
Jit
JitJit
Jit is a style of popular Zimbabwean dance music. It features a swift rhythm played on drums and accompanied by a guitar. Jit evolved out many diverse influences, including domestic chimurenga, Congolese rumba and Tanzanian guitar styles...
is a generic term for electric guitar-driven pop, and includes wildly popular groups like the New Black Eagles and the Four Brothers
Four Brothers
"Four Brothers" is a jazz standard composed by Jimmy Giuffre and performed by the Woody Herman Orchestra.The song features four saxes in an arrangement that gives each "brother" a solo and culminates in a hard-swinging sax section chorus.The song so typifies the sound of Woody Herman's second...
. Internationally, The Bhundu Boys are by far the best-known jit performers, and have worked with numerous American and British musicians.
Rumba
African Rumba, or 'Soukos' is mostly associated with the Democratic Republic of the CongoDemocratic Republic of the Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a state located in Central Africa. It is the second largest country in Africa by area and the eleventh largest in the world...
but its popularity has inspired Zimbabwe's own brand of rumba in musicians such as Simon Chimbetu
Simon Chimbetu
Simon Chopper Chimbetu was a Zimbabwean guitarist, vocalist and composer. He was the founding member his band Orchestra Dendera Kings.-Early life:...
and Leonard Karikoga Zhakata. Soukos has been an influence on other artists such as The R.U.N.N. family
R.U.N.N. family
R.U.N.N. family were a Zimbabwean musical group that had several hits in the 1980s, whose songs combined mbira-inspired music with reggae and rhumba influences....
. Nowadays, Zimbabwean rumba is more popular than imported rumba.
Gospel
Gospel music became popular in Zimbabwe in the late 1980s with stars like Jordan Chataika Freedom Sengwayo, Mechanic Manyeruke and Jonathan WutawunasheJonathan Wutawunashe
Jonathan Wutawunashe is a songwriter, guitarist, keyboard player and producer.His whose lead has inspired many artists in Zimbabwe, the Southern African region, and as far afield as the North Atlantic....
was the first star of Zimbabwean gospel, and the genre has continued to grow in popularity. Brian Sibalo and Mechanic Manyeruke also became very popular in the early nineties.
The mid nineties saw the rising of new gospel stars in the mold of Ivy Kombo - Moyo and Carol Mujokoro
Carol Mujokoro
Carol Mujokoro; born Carol Chivengwa; is a Zimbabwean 'Christian' gospel Artist.-Discography:Carol's recorded albums are:* 1994: Mufudzi Wangu* 1995: Ndinokudai Jesu* 1997: Vimba NaJehovah* 1999: Kutenda* 1996: Ropa RaJesu* 1999: NdiMwari Baba...
of the EGEA gospel Train whose dubut album Mufudzi Wangu was released in 1994 and contains tracks such as "Be Thou My Vision", "Ndotarisa Kumakomo" and "Utiziro" among others. The two went on to pursue successful solo musical careers and released "Ndaidziwanepi Nyasha" and Ropa RaJesu as their debut solo albums respectively.
Other gospel artists who emerged from the nineties include Lawrence Haisa, Brother Sam with his hits "Makanaka Jesu" and "Cherechedza", Elias Musakwa, Rita Shinhiwa, The Gospel Trumpet of the "Rose Of Sharon" fame and Shingisai Suluma who only became popular in the early two thousands with the hit song "Mirira Mangwanani"; though she first recorded in the nineties.
In the late-nineties, Charles Charamba, a rising artist, grew in popularity, and currently holds gospel sales records. His music became popular into the first decade of the 21st century, most likely due to his Sungura-based contemporary style.
In the early two thousands, a lot of gospel artists also recorded, though a few really rose to stardom. These include Fungisai Zvakavapano - Mashavave who has risen to become the most dominant female gospel musician in the current era, Stanley Gwanzura (Pastor Gee), Kudzai Nyakudya and gospel a cappella
A cappella
A cappella music is specifically solo or group singing without instrumental sound, or a piece intended to be performed in this way. It is the opposite of cantata, which is accompanied singing. A cappella was originally intended to differentiate between Renaissance polyphony and Baroque concertato...
outfits like Vabati VaJehovah and Shower Power
Bulawayo
The NdebeleNdebele people (Zimbabwe)
The Ndebele are a branch of the Zulus who split from King Shaka in the early 1820s under the leadership of Mzilikazi, a former general in Shaka's army....
-dominated region of the southwest of Zimbabwe, including the city Bulawayo
Bulawayo
Bulawayo is the second largest city in Zimbabwe after the capital Harare, with an estimated population in 2010 of 2,000,000. It is located in Matabeleland, 439 km southwest of Harare, and is now treated as a separate provincial area from Matabeleland...
, has been instrumental in the development of Zimbabwean music. Seminal 1950s guitarist George Sibanda had a following across Africa, and Dorothy Masuka
Dorothy Masuka
Dorothy Masuka is a jazz singer who was born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe in 1935, then called Southern Rhodesia. She was the fourth of seven children and her mother was Zulu while her father was a Zambian hotel chef. Still, she attended a Catholic school deemed good by the standards of education allowed...
was a major player on the South African jazz scene, for example. Among the most popular performers of the region within Zimbabwe, however, was 1980s Ndebele pop sensation Lovemore Majaivana
Lovemore Majaivana
Lovemore "Majaivana" Tshuma , commonly known as Lovemore Majaivana is a Zimbabwean musician, arguably the most popular Ndebele singer, and by far the most prominent to have come out of Bulawayo...
. Ndebele musicians who are active are Black Umfolosi, Insingizi Majahawodwa Ndlovu, Sandra Ndebele, Lwazi Tshabangu, Kuxxman,Go Boyz, Achuzi, Beate Mangethe, Vusa Mkhaya, Afrika Revenge and Ramadu
Ramadu
Ramadu is the stage name of Dumisani Moyo, a Zimbabwean musician.Ramadu was born on the 26 June 1975 in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. He began his career as a professional musician by joining imbube group Insingizi in 1990 formally known as Insingizi Emnyama....
. The marginalisation of Bulawayo artists in Zimbabwe saw the influence of South African music dominating hence the emergence of kwaito music in Bulawayo pioneered by Go-Boyz in 1996 and more groups like GTI, Achuzi, Amagangsters etc. emerged.A brand of Jazz was created in Bulawayo,in the 1940s and 1950s, and made was popular by August Musarurwa with his African Dance Band of the Cold Storage Commission of Southern Rhodesia . He recorded the legendary song Sikokiana which went on to be recorded in USA by Louis Amstrong and many others.
Lyrics
Zimbabwean musicians' lyrics mostly contain encouragement of upholding good social values in the family and society as whole. Such lyrics can be seen on songs by artists like Oliver Mtukudzi, Simon ChimbetuSimon Chimbetu
Simon Chopper Chimbetu was a Zimbabwean guitarist, vocalist and composer. He was the founding member his band Orchestra Dendera Kings.-Early life:...
, Louis Mhlanga
Louis Mhlanga
Louis Mhlanga is a South African based Zimbabwean award-winning guitarist and producer. Mhlanga taught himself playing the guitar at a tender age and is considered one of the best Southern African guitarists....
, John Chibadura, Steve Makoni
Steve Makoni
Steve Makoni is a comedian, songwriter and solo guitarist from Zimbabwe. He is perhaps best known for his hit "Sabhuku Nedhongi". After a period of inactivity he made a comeback performance in December, 2009.- References :...
, Bhundu Boys
Bhundu Boys
The Bhundu Boys were a Zimbabwean band that played a mixture of chimurenga music with American rock and roll, disco, country, and pop influences...
and many others. Off note however is Thomas Mapfumo
Thomas Mapfumo
Thomas Tafirenyika Mapfumo is a Zimbabwean musician known as "The Lion of Zimbabwe" and "Mukanya" for his immense popularity and for the political influence he wields through his music, including his sharp criticism of the government of President Robert Mugabe...
, whose lyrics are mainly political and encourage good leadership and rising against bad governance - Most of his albums are named after a word meaning Uprising
Rebellion
Rebellion, uprising or insurrection, is a refusal of obedience or order. It may, therefore, be seen as encompassing a range of behaviors aimed at destroying or replacing an established authority such as a government or a head of state...
or War of Liberation
War of liberation
A War of liberation is a conflict which is primarily intended to bring freedom or independence to a nation or group. Examples might include a war to overthrow a colonial power, or to remove a dictator from power. Such wars are often unconventional...
, "Chimurenga
Chimurenga
Chimurenga is a Shona word for 'revolutionary struggle'. The word's modern interpretation has been extended to describe a struggle for human rights, political dignity and social justice, specifically used for the African insurrections against British colonial rule 1896–1897 and the guerrilla war...
". His music has earned him the wrath of the ZANU-PF government resulting in the banning of most of his music on state owned radio and TV. Another outstanding musician with striking lyrics is the late System Tazvida
System Tazvida
System Tazvida was a Zimbabwean musician very popular in his home country mainly in the 1990s, though not as well known internationally. Tazvida wrote and performed songs mainly in his native Shona tongue....
of the Chazezesa Challengers
Chazezesa Challengers
Chazezesa Challengers are a Zimbabwean Sungura music band formed in 1993 under the direction of the late System Tazvida in Chitungwiza. System, a Khiama Boys alumnus, grew sick of not receiving his fair share of royalties and decided to form his own band. Both his stints in Khiama Boys and the...
. His lyrics were mainly centered on the subject of "Love
Love
Love is an emotion of strong affection and personal attachment. In philosophical context, love is a virtue representing all of human kindness, compassion, and affection. Love is central to many religions, as in the Christian phrase, "God is love" or Agape in the Canonical gospels...
" and this gained him popularity with songs like "Anodyiwa Haataure", "Ukarambwa Usachema", "Vanotipedzera Mashoko" and "Dai Hanzvadzi Yairoorwa".
With the coming of "Urban Grooves" the lyrics content is resembling that of American RnB, Hip Hop and Pop music which the younger generations listen to. One artist Maskiri is known for imitating Eminem
Eminem
Marshall Bruce Mathers III , better known by his stage name Eminem or his alter ego Slim Shady, is an American rapper, record producer, songwriter and actor. Eminem's popularity brought his group project, D12, to mainstream recognition...
's style of controversial lyrics.
Urban Grooves
This is a new type of music in Zimbabwe that is sung by young musicians and generally appeals more to youthful listeners. Coming on the music scene around 1999 Urban grooves mainly gained ground because of the 100% local content policy advocated for by unpopular former Information Minister Jonathan MoyoJonathan Moyo
Jonathan Nathaniel Moyo is a controversial political figure in Zimbabwe. He was Minister of Information from 2000 to 2005 and is currently a Member of Parliament. He is considered the core architect of AIPPA and POSA....
. The policy required all radio stations to play only music by local artists for the sake of promoting local talent. This policy was reversed after the expulsion of the Information Minister from government in 2005. The 100% local content policy saw the rising of many new artists like Sanii Makhalima, Roy and Royce, David Chifunyise, Roqui, Leonard Mapfumo, Stach, Betty Makaya, Extra Large, Maskiri
Maskiri
Maskiri is a controversial Zimbabwean rapper whose rapping style is similar to that of the American rapper Eminem. He rose to fame in late 2002 with the track 'Muchinda Wangu' which later featured on his debut album 'Muviri Wese'...
to mention a few. The style of music closely resembles American Rap, Hip Hop, RnB, Soul and other international music genres.
This "imitation" of the West has resulted in Urban Grooves being unpopular with older listeners and artists who accuse the younger generation of shunning their cultural music and identity. At the moment a young lady that has somewhat tried to increase popularity in the Southern African region is Tia. One of her videos was showcased on the popular African Music Channel (Channel O) and this saw her gaining ground on most urban groovers. However, Channel O has not discriminated against any musicians in Zimbabwe and has actually encouraged them to bring forth their music videos. To assist these young talented Urban Groovers in their quest for perfection is a company known as Broadshow Events owned by (Sharon Chatambudza) closely working together with (Kevin Mafunga-Events Co-ordinator). Some of the young talent that the company has signed so far includes the top brass of the Urban Groovers Rocqui, Stunner and XQ.
See also
- Paul Berliner
- International Library of African MusicInternational Library of African MusicThe International Library of African Music is an organization dedicated to the preservation and study of African music. It is seated in Grahamstown, South Africa and is closely affiliated with Rhodes University....
- MbiraMbiraIn African music, the mbira is a musical instrument that consists of a wooden board to which staggered metal keys have been attached. It is often fitted into a resonator...
- Shona musicShona musicShona music is the music of the Shona people of Zimbabwe. There are several different types of traditional Shona music including mbira, singing, hosho and drumming. Very often, this music will be accompanied by dancing, and participation by the audience...
- Hugh TraceyHugh TraceyHugh Tracey was an important twentieth century ethnomusicologist. He and his wife collected and archived music from Southern and Central Africa. He began making field recordings of music in the early 20's, through the 70's....
- Zimbabwean Marimba
External links
- BBC Radio 3 Audio (60 minutes): Zimbabwe 1988. (Sony Radio Award-winning program) Accessed November 25, 2010.
- Dandemutande A non-profit resource for Zimbabwean music & culture
- Mbira.org Erica Azim's site, based in BerkeleyBerkeley, CaliforniaBerkeley is a city on the east shore of the San Francisco Bay in Northern California, United States. Its neighbors to the south are the cities of Oakland and Emeryville. To the north is the city of Albany and the unincorporated community of Kensington...
, CA - Zambuko Solomon Murungu's Shona Music Site
- Zimbabwean Music Festival, an annual performance and workshop festival in North America