From Elvis Presley to Chimurenga: Thomas Mapfumo Reveals the Inspiration for His Revolutionary Music

Chimurenga superstar, Thomas Mapfumo, sat down for an interview before his farewell show in the United Kingdom where he explained how he started singing Chimurenga music. Mukanya, as he is popularly referred to, grew up following the likes of Elvis Presley, Little Richard, and The Rolling Stones, and Jazz was the first type of music he sang.

The incident that led to the creation of Chimurenga Music

Mukanya narrated an incident that occurred during a competition called the Rock Band Concert at Glamis Arena where he and his black colleagues did not have songs in their native Shona language. During his performance, he sang an English song, which irritated a white guy who shouted at him. The incident forced Mukanya to be innovative and creative in changing the way he did his music, thus creating Chimurenga music.

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Mapfumo’s farewell show

Mukanya revealed that his last show would be in Zimbabwe. He stated that the only reason stopping him from performing in Zimbabwe is the political atmosphere there. He insists on waiting for true independence and freedom of Zimbabweans to bid farewell to his long musical journey. Zimbabwe will be hosting their harmonized general elections on the 23rd of August.

Collaboration with Mark Ngwazi and Lindsay Chamangura Ngura

During the interview, Mukanya was accompanied by sungura sensational Mark Ngwazi and Lindsay Chamangura Ngura. Ngwazi thanked Mukanya and the promoters for the opportunity to perform in the United Kingdom. He encouraged them to give a chance to his fellow sungura artists, such as Romeo Gasa and Simon Mutambi. Mukanya agreed to collaborate with Mark and Lindsay and offered to support them so that they can also perform in the United States of America, where he is residing right now.