Born in Marondera, Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), Thomas has always championed the African oppressed peoples and been a thorn in the side of the ruling whites of the time. Small beginnings but as his popularity and messages became more widely known, Thomas started to attract the attention of the authorities. First they banned his songs from radio, then tried to ban his music altogether and eventually threw him into gaol for 90 days without a trial. The ongoing repression by the authorities was relentless but he continued with his musical messages.
The wisdom and foresight of his lyrics captivated the hearts and minds of the masses and spread the word of "revolution" throughout the nation.
HERE is a lot more detail about those days (and the present life) of Thomas
Some of the bands Thomas Mapfumo featured in were:
The Hallelujah Chicken Run
Acid Band
Thomas Mapfumo and the Blacks Unlimited
This vinyl release is a 1984 reissue, purchased in London by myself back in the early 1980's
THOMAS MAPFUMO - The Chimurenga Singles 1976~1980
Earthworks
Cat# ELP 2004
1984 (Reissue)
UK release
Cover is in very good condition, no writing, no tears, no seam splits and practically no wear to the edges. A small rectangle on the rear cover (lower right side) is coloured yellow - that is the remnants from the University bookshop price sticker! This cost £5 way back then!
New plastic inner sleeve is supplied
Vinyl is in very good condition, visually inspected the record under a white halogen light source and I can see NO significant scratches/marks on each side. I then played the vinyl (both sides) ENTIRELY and there are no issues with surface noise or clicks/pops - even though the lyrics are not English, I love the music non-the-less - I get strong impressions of the music created by Paul Simon during his "African years" It would have been nice to understand the lyrics (!) but I am not African although ALL music is of interest to me.
Supplied in new outer protective plastic sleeve
There is a warning on the rear cover ... "The quality on some of these tracks leaves much to be desired, but remember they were made under war conditions"
That said, I didn't find anything objectionable in relation to the quality of the recordings - listen and enjoy!
TRACKS:
African song titles: Chauya Chirizevha, Tozvireva Kupiko, Pfumvu Pa Ruzevha, Kwaedza Mu Zimbabwe, Africa, Nyarai, Chipatapata, Butsu Mutandarika, Munhu Mutema, Ndiyani Achatips Runyararo
English translations: Rural Life Is Back, Who Shall We Share Our Frustrations With?, Hardships In The Rural Areas, It Has Dawned In Zimbabwe, Africa, Be Ashamed, Confusion, Long Oversized Shoe, Black People, Who Will Give Us Peace
