The Daily News (Harare)
Entertainment Reporter
7 May 2002
UNITED States-based Chimurenga guru, Thomas Mapfumo, wowed crowds at the Let Freedom Sing benefit concert along with three other groups in New York City last week, during the commemoration of South Africa's National Day.
South African Consul-General in the United states, Nomathamsanqa Xoliswa Ngwevela, represented the South African government and was given the honour to induct Mapfumo, Dorothy Masuka and the Mahotella Queens into the Afropop Hall of Fame.
American songstress Bonnie Raitt, who sang her rendition of Oliver Mtukudzi's Hear Me Lord, was among the musicians who played on South Africa's National Day.
Mapfumo thrilled the crowd with his telling music, which highlights his struggle for justice. The dreadlocked and outspoken Mapfumo delivered some of the songs from his stinging but Zimbabwean banned Chimurenga Rebel album.
Chimurenga Rebel, released in December 2001, is explosive and loaded with lyrics that take a swipe at bad governance, violence and the chaotic land reform programme.
It was banned from radio and television by the State-run Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation last December. The New York City show, promoted by Afropop Worldwide, was held to raise funds for the same organisation which aims to promote greater recognition, understanding and enjoyment of music and cultures of Africa and the diaspora.
The beneficiaries included Voice Of The People, an independent Zimbabwean radio station, and a fund to assist families of Zimbabwean musicians who died of Aids.
"Our hearts go out to those in Zimbabwe who are struggling," Raitt told Allafrica after the show. "We are pleased that part of tonight's proceeds will benefit the country's only private radio station, Voice Of The People."
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