10 years ago I shared a post to mark 34 years of Zimbabwe’s independence and our self-determination journey. Every Independence Day guarantees that I always end up having a reflective evening where I listen to mbira music and other music of Zimbabwe thinking of so many thing about our beloved country.
Tonight as I did my ritual I thought to share a selection of the few songs with some thoughts on why I listen to them at independence.
Songs are part of our historical record and i had rather fascinating reflections on some of these songs and the discographies of the musicians.
Master Chivero-Black September
For those who grew up in the 80s and early 90s, this song was quite a regular on the radio. With its rousing lyrics that we are all children of Zimbabwe, it was always felt appropriate at independence. Listening to it hits a tone of nostalgia when I feel transported to the early years of promise for Zimbabwe.
“Nyika yeZimbabwe ndeyeropa..”
These lyrics hit true to remind us of the sacrifice that was made to give Zimbabwe independence. It can be easy to forget the scale of the sacrifice when one is faced with current hardship.
Chitungwiza Mbira Unity- Zimbabwe Yakauya Nehondo
Probably the most well known mbira song about the war in the general population of Zimbabwe for a long time. When you play Tadzungaira/Hondo around Zimbabweans they often identify the melodies and start singing the lyrics to this timeless classic.
Again not sure where you can buy this except direct you to the YouTube video.
Mbira Dzenharira- Tozvireva Tingaputike Neshungu
When I need downtime or reflection time anytime of day all through out the year, this is one of my ‘go to’ songs.
“There is so much to say about the state of affairs in the world regarding religion and tarde, love and hate, peace and war, that all of it cannot be said in one song. The whistling and humming gives one a chance to fill in their words” -Mbira DzeNharira
The quote from the group which can be found on the sleeve of the album and the video captures what it is I love about this song. I hear and feel the music and yet it leaves a space for me to fully reflect on many things as i get by.
Ten points to you for making the link between the previous song and this one!
Temba Manjojo Nereerai- Kubatana
“Kugara kwedu muno muZimbabwe isu vatema zvinoda kuabatana, pamwechete.
Takatonga…”
The simplicity of the message in this song still holds true to this day. It is my hope that we will soon find common ground to make our country prosper.
Thomas Mapfumo-Zvichapera
To close off for the night it is not hard to reflect on the hardship that many of our fellow Zimbabweans are facing. I find myself listening to Zvichapera with the same promise of hope that must have struck many before independence. I do hope the situation turns around and the economy thrives so everyone can have a decent shot at a less stressful life.
Ina future post i will share my reflections on what I have observed on the historical record set in a lot of the mbira songs that are particularly linked to the liberation struggle and early post independence politics. Who they chose to talk about, what they focus on etc, as a reflection of politics and society at the time.
Happy Independence Zimbabwe.
