Thomas Mapfumo at Kuumbwa Jazz Center

Thomas Mapfumo, dubbed 'The Lion of Zimbabwe,' has used his musical talents to advocate for civil rights in his home country since joining his first band in 1973. His style of music—chimurenga—a blend of traditional mbira music, highlife, and reggae—soon became associated with the political struggle in Zimbabwe. In 1978, feeling the need to follow his own artistic vision, Mapfumo formed a new band: Blacks Unlimited. Although his songs were vigorously repressed by the colonial authorities at the time, Mapfumo persisted in protest through his recordings and performances even after Zimbabwe won its independence in 1980. Today, living in exile, he continues to use his voice to speak out against government corruption around the world. ...

read more

Thomas Mapfumo, dubbed 'The Lion of Zimbabwe,' has used his musical talents to advocate for civil rights in his home country since joining his first band in 1973. His style of music—chimurenga—a blend of traditional mbira music, highlife, and reggae—soon became associated with the political struggle in Zimbabwe. In 1978, feeling the need to follow his own artistic vision, Mapfumo formed a new band: Blacks Unlimited. Although his songs were vigorously repressed by the colonial authorities at the time, Mapfumo persisted in protest through his recordings and performances even after Zimbabwe won its independence in 1980. Today, living in exile, he continues to use his voice to speak out against government corruption around the world.
**Dance space! **

show less