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Rise Up

Thomas Mapfumo and The Blacks Unlimited

The legendary 'Lion of Zimbabwe' - the father of electric mbira music that inspired the 'Chimurenga' songs of revolution during the country's struggle to independence in 1980 - is in exile. Mapfumo is again at odds with the regime of his beloved country. Just as his songs once spoke of rebellion in Rhodesia, today he remains resolutely a man of the people - rallying their street-level support in the struggle against the new tyranny of Mugabe. There is no immediate prospect of a return home from his adopted base in Eugene, Oregon, where he recorded 'Rise Up'.

Thomas Mapfumo sings mostly in Shona, and the metallic plink of the iron-tongued mbira still sits deep in the mix - a sound known to invite ancestor spirits to possess the living during sacred, Shona ceremonies. Today, the firey, militant voice has matured into a powerful call to arms, devoid of anger, solemn in its intimate understanding of the human cost of war. The music is as powerful and pure as ever. From the opening bars it slips into a poised, relaxed groove, with its unfailing hooks, its hypnotic harmonising refrains and the stately grace and moral authority of the great Mapfumo.

  • imageAdd To Basketmore info£9.82Rise Up - CD
    playKuvarira MukatiThomas Mapfumo and The Blacks Unlimited7m 9s
    playNdogura MasangoThomas Mapfumo and The Blacks Unlimited6m 38s
    playMukadzi WanguThomas Mapfumo and The Blacks Unlimited5m 40s
    playHandimbotyaThomas Mapfumo and The Blacks Unlimited6m 59s
    playMarudzi NemarudziThomas Mapfumo and The Blacks Unlimited7m 9s
    playZvakuwanaThomas Mapfumo and The Blacks Unlimited6m 23s
    playNdodya Marasha/I'm Mad As HellThomas Mapfumo and The Blacks Unlimited6m 51s
    playHende BabaThomas Mapfumo and The Blacks Unlimited5m 2s
    playZvirwereThomas Mapfumo and The Blacks Unlimited6m 36s
    playVanofira Chiiko?Thomas Mapfumo and The Blacks Unlimited6m 5s
    playPasi HarigutiThomas Mapfumo and The Blacks Unlimited5m 45s