What is Chimurenga Music?

[amf]

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Chimurenga is music of the Shona people of Zimbabwe - "Liberation war music of Zimbabwe." There are several different types of traditional Shona music including mbira, singing, hosho and drumming. Very often, this music will be accompanied by dancing, and participation by the audience.

An electric guitar is often thrown in for good measure. In Shona music, there is little distinction between the performer and the audience, both are often actively involved in the music-making, and both are important in the religious ceremonies where Shona Music is often heard.

More details available in Wikipedia |

[raylec]

I never did trust Wikipedia.

How about this for a more accurate description:

"Pioneered by Thomas Mapfumo, chimurenga was the popular music of Zimbabwe's liberation struggle. The music, which finds its roots in Shona tradition, relies heavily on the mbira for inspiration. Rhythms and melodies from the traditional mbira are transcribed for guitar and are usually mixed with a political or moral message. The mbira is present in many songs as well. Somewhat danceable, chimurenga sometimes has a trance-inducing quality to it.

Artists include Thomas Mapfumo & the Blacks Unlimited and Jonah Sithole. Robson Banda & the New Black Eagles has a less dark feel than the chimurenga of Mapfumo."

From: http://www.embargo.ca/zim/info/genres.htm

[amf]

Welcome Raylec!