Mapfumo to stage landmark gigs in Australia
ONE of Africa’s most consistent musicians Thomas Mapfumo known as "The Lion of Zimbabwe" and "Mukanya" for his immense popularity and political influence is to stage landmark shows in Australia.
After a brief set back on his British safari, Mapfumo whose middle name is Tafirenyika will stage at least six shows in various Australian cities, according to his promoters, Zambezi Promotions.
The maverick Chimurenga icon is lined up for shows in Melbourne at The Prince Bandroom (April 17), The Gaelic Club in Sydney (April 19), at the Gov (Adelaide) (April 23), on the 25 April at the Fly by Night in Perth.
Mapfumo who is in exile because of his political views he wields power through his music. He both created and made popular Chimurenga music.
A spokesman for the Zambezi Promotions said the gig will sell out as the veteran musician has vowed to make a life time performance. Accommpanied by his Blacks Unlimited, Mapfumo is expected to rock the Australians of all colours. His music is also popular in the western world largely because of its originality.
In a successful career spanning over 40 years, Mapfumo has released 30 albums. From early covers bands he refined a style that was based on the traditional stories, music and instrumentation of Zimbabwe’s Shona people. Central to this music is the mbira or thumb piano.
Over time Mapfumo and his guitarist Jonah Sithole emulated the staccato sound of the mbira on electric guitar. This sound evolved into what became known as chimurenga (revolution) music and its variant jit.
The reference to revolution is because prior to independence Mapfumo would regularly play for liberation soldiers and villagers in all night music and politicization sessions known as pungwes. Songs which translated into “Mothers send your children to war” made clear Mapfumo’s allegiance! However Mapfumo also put out records ostensibly traditional parables but often with a political message that was lost on the Rhodesian government and radio broadcasters.
After independence in 1980 Zimbabwean music hit a high point. From the day that Marley appeared at the independence ceremony with Prince Charles in attendance the optimism of the people and the stories of the struggle for independence spawned many songs, new bands and venues. Travel became easier, greater affluence assisted attendances and greater airplay assisted awareness. Throughout this period Thomas Mapfumo and his Blacks Unlimited remained the premier band in Zimbabwe.
Over time Mapfumo became disillusioned with political events in Zimbabwe. Inequitable land distribution, political repression and increasing corruption were all scene as a betrayal of his struggle. His outspokenness was unusual and feared by a government that recognized his influence with the people. Government resentment came to a head with the release of his album “Corruption” in 1989.
The title track was sung in English …something for something, nothing for nothing went the chorus. Needless to say the record was banned by the government controlled radio. Mapfumo had come full circle from being banned by the Rhodesians to being banned by the new post independence government.
In 2000 after an electoral setback for the Government increasing intimidation forced Mapfumo to leave Zimbabwe. He now lives in Oregon USA and has continued to release albums and perform in concert. Recent efforts often have a softer feel incorporating traditional mbiras along with or instead of electric guitars.
Victoria Tour Locations
Melbourne: 17 April 08
Venue: The Prince Bandroom
Location: 29 Fitzroy St, St Kilda
Time: 8:00pm til late
Supporting act: Chris Gudu & DJ Systa BB (PBS's Planetary Chaos)
URL & Bookings: The Prince Bandroom | www.princebandroom.com.au
Visit the above URL for bookings and tickets or call (03) 9536 1168
New South Wales Tour Locations
Sydney: 19 April 08
Venue: The Gaelic
Location: 64 Devonshire St, Surry Hills
Time: 8:00pm til late
Supporting act: Chris Gudu & DJ Scrim
URL & Bookings: The Gaelic | www.thegaelic.com/home/
Visit the above URL for bookings and tickets or call (02) 9211 1687
South Australia Tour Locations
Adelaide: 23 April 08
Venue: The Gov
Location: 59 Port Road, Hindmarsh
Time: 8:00pm til late
Supporting act: Musiki Manjaro
URL & Bookings: The Gov | www.thegov.com.au/contacts.htm
Visit the above URL for bookings and tickets or call (08) 8340 0744
Western Australia Tour Locations
Fremantle (Perth): 25 April 08
Venue: Fly By Nite
Location: 1 Holdsworth Street, Fremantle – Entrance off Parry Street
Time: 8:00pm til late
Supporting act: Shangara Jive & DJ Ulli
URL & Bookings: Fly by Night - www.flybynight.org | Heat Seeker - www.heatseeker.com.au
Visit the above URL for bookings and tickets. Alternatively, call (08) 9430 5976 or (08) 6210 2850