we are all zimbabweans now:

Today many people think of Zimbabwe as a tragic land, often ignoring the vibrant culture that flourished in the years immediately after independence. There was reason for optimism then. Schools and clinics were built, farmers received free seed and fertilizer. And music exploded.

· Local tunes dominated the radio waves. Sungura artists like  Leonard Dembo, and John Chibadura,  (click on artist’s name to view sample song) produced hit after hit.

· Stella Chiweshe’s mbira artistry gained international renown.

· The three most legendary musicians in the country Oliver Mtukudzi , Lovemore Majaivana and Thomas Mapfumo (the icon of Chimurenga music) became more popular than ever. 

· New styles also emerged with the Bhundu Boys’ Jit and the Afro-fusion of Ilanga led by Busi Ncube.

· Zimbabwe embraced the music of the continent, especially rhumba. Local bands like Devera Ngwena and The Four Brothers played a local variant of rhumba but two of the most popular songs of the day for celebrations were Shauri Yako by the Kenyan-based band, Super Mazembe  and Maria Tebbo by Sam Mangwana, based in West Africa but rumored to have been born in Zimbabwe.

· Zimbabweans also  relished a cultural opening which brought access to global music. Reggae and African American pop grew meteorically in their appeal. Bob Marley became a national icon but other reggae artists like Gregory Isaacs , Aswad and Peter Tosh gained big followings. Atlantic Starr’s Secret Lovers was one of the major hits of the decade.

 

 

 

1980s Musical links

Reggae and Bob Marley

 

Click on Bob Marley’s photo above to hear his famous Redemption Song. Click here to see him perform the classic “Zimbabwe” at the nation’s  first celebration of independence.

 

Musicians like Safirio Madzikatire (left) branched out into television in the 80s. Madzikatire starred as the legendary Mukadota. To see a clip and song from this famous show  (in Shona ) click here.