Exiled Chimurenga music legend Thomas Mapfumo, Steve “Dhongi” Makoni and protest musician Raymond Majongwe are all set to perform in the UK in eleven days time to mark Zimbabwe’s 36th Independence anniversary celebrations.
Dubbed the Chimurenga Bira Festival, the gig has been slated for the Corah Suite in Leicester on Saturday the 16th of April. Mapfumo, based in the United States, teams up with Makoni and Majongwe who will be coming from Zimbabwe.
UK based DJ’s King Alfred and Tee Mag will handle proceedings. According to a spokesperson for VeeJay Events who are managing the show, the all night music extravaganza has drawn together genuine Chimurenga gurus and would be a blend of yesteryear sounds in addition to yet to be released tunes.
In a telephone message, Mukanya sounded very bullish and told his thousands of fans that this was a show not to be missed. Mapfumo, who vowed that this upcoming UK event would be his best ever, promised a full catalogue of what made him the true giant and legend of Zimbabwean music that he is today.
The Chimurenga genre luminary added that he was determined to show his fans that Chimurenga class of music would live forever.
Makoni was equally assertive and echoed Mapfumo’s assertions that this show was not only about the old tunes but fresh sounds that would appeal to both young and old.
“We will dish out some of the old sounds but there is a lot in store to cater for the diverse audience that will grace the occasion”, said Makoni, who is also known by his totem “Nyati” in music circles.
Burly Majongwe, well known for lyrics poking fun at certain sections of the Zimbabwean political leadership for being duped by a n’anga (witchdoctor) claiming to have discovered crude oil in Chinhoyi, has moved on and has new sounds that will keep the audience captivated on the dance floor.
The “Diesel paChinhoyi” hitmaker, Majongwe, or Shumba as he is popularly known in the Zimbabwe music industry has promised fans that he will dish out the very latest. Shumba Majongwe, whose music is full of innuendos, said:
“Our music speaks the truth to power and is not afraid. Fans should expect the best show”.
Zimbabwe celebrates its independence on April 18.
Discover more from Nehanda Radio
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
