Harare — RAYMOND Majongwe might see his reputation as one of the country's most promising chimurenga gurus cemented with his latest release Xenophobia.

The musician stepped up the commendable chimurenga tempo he struck with Diziri PaChinhoyi through this latest nine-track release.

The beat, vocals and the lyrics show that he is maturing with each release and it will not be long before he starts turning heads in the chimurenga music circles.

Although most of the artists that tried their hands on this genre did not write attractive chapters in Zimbabwe's music history, Majongwe could pen a different story.

It is that striking lead guitar, complemented by emphatic mbiras, laid back rattles and thumping bass line that make this album a notch above his previous releases.

Occasional trumpets make it a complete chimurenga product. Many know Majongwe as a musician interested in political commentary but this album is a complete departure. It is laden with social comments and historical references.

"I have stopped singing political songs, I now want my songs to be played on radio," he said last week.

Songs like Taidanana, Gore Negore and Bangiza explore various facets of social life while Zimbabwe and Xenophobia are references to historical events in the country and the region.

Majongwe adds a traditional flavour to the album through folk songs Mharapara and Gangemukange.

On the sleeve of the album is a tag classifying it as "soul touching" with "advisory lyrics"?

The description is not far off the mark.

Other songs on the release are Mandiregerera, Bangiza and Mutimukuru.

On Mandiregerera, Majongwe sings about how close relatives can neglect one of their own and how God and the ancestors make sure that even those dumped by their loved ones survive.

Bangiza takes a swipe at witchcraft, emphasising that those caught practicing this evil should be severely punished.

Mutimukuru is a reminder to all people to remember their roots and always worship their ancestors regardless of social status or age.

The album is Majongwe's 17th release, a fact he reminds his fans in his introductory note on the first track. In the note, he thanks his fans and promises to continue producing good music.

"To those who love the music, there is more on the way and I promise to do my best.

"To those who think otherwise I beg you to listen to what we are saying.

"Now is the time to work for the prosperity of our country."

Meanwhile, Majongwe dismissed allegations that he recently caused a musical show by Tryson Chimbetu in Glen View to be abandoned after confiscating his instruments in the middle of the gig.

"I never did such a thing, the journalist who wrote that story did not get his facts right. I only took my instruments when the owner of the club said he did not want me to perform there," he said.