Thomas Mapfumo and the Blacks Unlimited

Thomas Mapfumo was born July 3, 1945 in rural Zimbabwe, near Marondera. As a child he was raised with and taught Shona music by his grandparents, both traditional musicians. When Thomas was called to Harare by his parent he left his village for the city and school, where life was quite different and Thomas was exposed to electric music. He began his career playing pop tunes in bars as a young man, much like his western counterparts. Thomas soon started a succession of his own bands, which he fronted as a singer. As with many artists of that era Thomas' frustration with the oppressive social and political situation of the time led him to explore for deeper spiritual and political meanings in his music. This led to politically explosive lyrics and incorporation of the Shona instrument, the Mbira (thumb piano), into an electric rock combo, which helped create an entire genre of music. He calls it Chimurenga Music, meaning revolution/struggle music. His history shows him to be one of the true innovators in the African music realm.

Thomas became a regional pop star as Zimbabwe entered it's revolution in the mid 70's. His songs, speaking out against political and social tyranny, eventually led to his arrest. After his release from Ian Smith's prison, Thomas and the bad performed at concerts celebrating the return of Black rule, ending decades of oppression. Thomas speaks out still, despite his recent banning from the ZBC airwaves, this time about the mess that the Mugabe administration has left in the newly born country. Like his mentor and peer, Bob Marley, Thomas Mapfumo is a voice of and for the people. He remains a popular political/musical hero throughout the world.

In 2001, Thomas won an AFIM Indie award for his controversial release, Chimurenga Explosion, and he continues to perform on the Summer circuits in the US and Europe. After 30 years of relentless touring, Thomas Mapfumo and the Blacks Unlimited remain the spokespersons for those who cherish the spirit of freedom and rejoice with the spirit of music.

(On November 18, 1999, Thomas Mapfumo was presented with an honorary MA degree from the University of Zimbabwe for his lifetime contribution to the history and tradition of African music, and in June of 2001, Mukanya was awarded an Honorary Ph.D. in Music from Ohio University.)

Courtesy of Thomas Mapfumo and the Blacks Unlimited.