Thomas Mapfumo - Choice Chimurenga

(Sheer Sound/ SLCD 059)

Originally released in 2003, but available here in the UK for the first time, 'Choice Chimurenga' pools the very best of Thomas Mapfumo's incredible body of work.

Now living in the USA as an exile, Mapfumi, aka The Lion of Zimbabwe, stands out both as a developer and leader of Shona people's music and tradition (originating the popular style now known as Chimurenga).

This is essentially a best of collection, capturing selected tracks from Mapfumo's albums on Anonym over the last several years. Listening to his best work like this, it's apparent how he's changed his sound, making it punchier. He's added brass here and there, bumped up the bass, and sometimes it seems as if he's spent a lot of time lately listening to roots reggae and adapting its sound for his purposes. Mbiras have remained the heartbeat of his sound, enhanced by hypnotic guitar lines and thick grooves under Mapfumo's commanding voice. Electric mbira and deep undulating bass lines drive the relentlessly upbeat music, but the sunnyness of the musical form detracts not a whit from the powerful protest lyrics and social awareness at the heart of every track. This is all proof that, even after all this time, Mapfumo still has the power.

Reviewer : Yve Ngoo

Chimurenga (clip)