Indigenous and Modern Zimbabwean Music: Reflections from Thomas Mapfumo’s Chimurenga Music Genre

Abstract

Indigenous and modern Zimbabwean music has been shaped by different music genres that are performed throughout the world. Indigenous African music is very important in the different countries where it is performed, correspondingly, in Zimbabwe. Chimurenga music is a reputable Zimbabwe indigenous popular music genre that has been popularised by Thomas Mapfumo. However, this music genre has been performed for a long time dating back to the liberation struggle period of Zimbabwe. The concepts of Zimbabwean political and cultural nationalism have promoted Thomas Mapfumo to brand his music genre Chimurenga music, and through this genre, he is able to superbly narrate the livelihoods of the Zimbabwean people whose lives are hinged and connected to music. Thomas Mapfumo is a well-known music icon in Zimbabwe who believes in the emancipation of the Zimbabwean people from poor governance and human rights abuse and speaks against corruption. Through his Chimurenga music, he portrays an Afrocentrism concept and he works as a human rights defender and a true nationalist who believes in using music to make positive changes amongst the Zimbabwean people.