The Rebel with a Cause: Thomas Mapfumo

The oldest evidence of complex musical culture comes from the Paleolithic era—roughly 45,000 years ago—in the form of "bone flutes". In today's modern world, music is more diverse and, somewhat, more inclusive than ever before. However, what continues from our caveman ancestors till now is the mark of identity that each musical tradition bears. Any tradition of music is founded on the unique traits of a culture and ethnicity. Throughout our history, in the face of subjugation and discrimination under a certain dominant cultural model, a downtrodden culture has resisted the impending blow on their way of life. One of the modes of such resistance is music. How music becomes a means for opposing aggression and subjugation can be found in Zimbabwe's tumultuous history of independence. And the person who was at the forefront was Thomas Mapfumo, the protagonist of our story, whose musical journey has mirrored the path of independence of Zimbabwe, from colonial oppression to independence.

Born in 1945 in former Southern Rhodesia, Thomas Mapfumo is a Zimbabwean musician and composer who catalyzed the independence of his country through the popularity and power that his music wielded. Shona music and its tradition have been an integral part of his life. He grew up in a family that follows rural Shona traditions. He was particularly influenced by the mbira, a traditional thumb piano, which plays a crucial role in Shona culture.

At the age of 10 Mapfumo moved to Harare with his family. Here, he experienced Shona music in a new light along with American rock and roll. His interest grew as he listened to various genres. The amalgamation of influences from all of these genres eventually led him to his own musical style. He began his musical career at age 16 with a band called the Cyclones (or Zutu Brothers, according to some other sources). He joined as a singer in this. 

In his early days as an artist and a performer, Mapfumo worked with some other bands, mostly as side gigs. Among these bands, The Wagon Wheels is a popular mention with Afro-jazz musician Oliver Mtukudzi (known for his "tuku music") and guitarist James Chimombe. A major shift occurred in his life and his music when he joined the Hallelujah Chicken Run Band. With this band, he truly started incorporating influences from Shona in his composition. Until then, he was mostly doing covers of songs by artists such as Otis Redding or Elvis Presley. 

The music associated with the religion and spirituality of the Shona people of Zimbabwe is known as Shona music. Other than the usage of instruments, like mbira and hosho which are quintessential to this tradition, the inclusion of dancing and active participation of the audience themselves are unique to this style. Traditional Shona music has been adapted to modern instruments such as electric guitars and western drum sets. And Mapfumo was a pioneering figure in this new endeavor. He transcribed the sound of mbira to electric guitar with a guitarist.

During the early 1970s, Zimbabwe was ruled by a minority of white individuals. They held a pejorative view of the native black population and culture. By adhering to his culture and vocalizing his people's struggles and suffering, his music was taken as statements against established political structures. Mapfumo's songs were affecting the revolution of black Zimbabweans who were beginning to resist the white minority government. He coined the term chimurenga for his style of music. The word is derived from the Shona word for “struggle.” The lyrics were written in the language of the Shona people and incorporated traditional melodies and rhythms into his music.

With his band the Acid Band, he released the first album in chimurenga style, titled "Hokoyo!" The Rhodesian government banned this album and Mapfumo was thrown into a prison camp without charges in 1979. But, as it turned out they could not stop all the radio stations from playing this record. A protest and demonstration arose in support of Mapfumo's release and he was freed after three months. 

Following Zimbabwe's independence in 1980, Mapfumo celebrated with his people for the newfound freedom, but the disillusionment came very soon. Mapfumo became increasingly dissatisfied with the Zimbabwean government and released the album Corruption(1989) with his band the Blacks Unlimited, criticizing President Mugabe and his government. He began to address issues like corruption, economic decline, and human rights abuses in his music. This criticism led to further tensions with the government and subsequently to his exile in the United States in 2000.

Mapfumo’s expulsion did nearly nothing to erase the existence of his recordings in his homeland. His latest songs were still banned in the state radio stations of Zimbabwe, like the albums Rise Up(2005), Exile (2010) and Danger Zone (2015). No wonder, these albums were equally poisonous to the government like his old ones. He continued to prove the importance of his music in the national discourse and the socio-political issues that were plaguing the country under Mugabe's reign.

Thomas Mapfumo is an influential figure promoting Zimbabwean culture and identity. His work has inspired a new generation of musicians and activists who continue to use art as a means of advocacy. Mapfumo's songs remain relevant as they reflect the ongoing struggles of the Zimbabwean people and the broader African experience.

Mapfumo had established himself as an irreplaceable contributor to music and social justice. His influence can be seen across all the following generations that came later. His popularity and the power of his music were held at an exponential rise. So, when he returned to Zimbabwe in 2018 following Mugabe's overthrow in 2017, he performed in a huge show in front of an audience of thousands at Glamis Arena in Harare and it was named "Homecoming Bira." He enjoyed his long-cherished dream of a free country. 

Thomas Mapfumo, through his music and activism, led Zimbabwe to its freedom and left a permanent mark on Zimbabwean society. His influence rages on till today. "The lion of Zimbabwe" is a fitting moniker for this creative and valiant artist whose music has soundtracked the death of Rhodesia and the birth of Zimbabwe.