Customer Reviews

Chimurenga Forever

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

I first heard Thomas Mapfumo while walking past a store that was using "Zvandiviringa" (track 5, here) as sonic wallpaper. It stopped me in my tracks.

Mapfumo's music is rooted in the ancient Shona culture of Zimbabwe, and his music and lyrics were a rallying focus in the slow revolution that eventually toppled the all-white Rhodesian government (the lyrics were written in an almost-unbreakable code -- the Shona language -- so for a long time, his subversion went unnoticed by the authorities).

However, you don't need to know anything about Zimbabwe or the Shona culture to love this music. You can hardly tell from the scratchy sound samples, but most of these tracks are similar in lilt to reggae. One slow track, "Hondo" is alone worth the price of admission, as is "Zvandiviringa." Listen carefully to the samples and you can also hear the gorgeous, African-style lead guitar work.

This album gives a varied selection of Mapfumo's work, which makes it fairly good choice for your first Mapfumo album, and it contains no dud tracks (unlike most of his other albums), however, if you think you'll only ever buy one of his albums, I would instead recommend "Chamunorwa" (which seems to be currently out of print, unfortunately).

Two more reasons to try Mapfumo's music: 1) Zimbabwe is in desparate financial straits, so you will be engaging in international relief, and 2) small children LOVE it. My 3 year-old constantly demands his "daka" music, and dances himself silly to it.

An excellent Thomas Mapfumo disc. His music is different from that of the Bhundu Boys or the Four Brothers, as it is calmer (for lack of a better word). Track 12, Shumba, is one I found to be particularly good, as is Track 1, Servende. The CD contains only good tracks and I would definitely recommend this album, along with the Four Brothers (The Best of the Four Borthers, Makorokoto) and Bhundu Boys (True Jit) to others seeking great music from Zimbabwe.

(The Four Brothers' Best of... album is absolutely fantastic. It is the best CD I own. It is beyond excellent....)

First I am not from Zimbabwe..but I love the Cd so much That even though it was recently stolen out of my car when thieves broke in and carted my stereo cd player away.. I have reordered this compilation along with my Best of Best fela that was taken as well...(sniffle sniffle...Damn these American rogues!!!... I hope they become African music fans though after they (hopefully)..llisten to the stolen cds)

The talent of Thomas Mapfumo reinforces the need for greater access to the International Music scene! The music is energetic and carries a vitality that is difficult to describe and must, therefore, be felt for oneself. A mysterious and compelling collection of music by a fabulous African artist.

This is an absolutely stunning album. A legendary artist. A unique musical vision. A rich, passionate voice. I can't understand a word of the lyrics, but can easily hear just how much he means it. And the songs each speak volumes. I've owned it for years and it never grows old. Highly recommended.