Thomas Mapfumo is one of the giants of African music, often called the Lion of Zimbabwe. He is known for his combination of traditional and contemporary genres, but more often for his commentary against racism and oppression. He was banned in the then Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) when his music attacked the racial segregation of colonialism. Once Robert Mugabe came to power Mapfumo became one of the first artists to criticize the authoritarian rule of "independence," perhaps most famously in his song entitled "Corruption." You can learn more about the artist that Zimbabweans simply know as "Thomas" from his website http://www.thomas-mapfumo.com/.

Dr. Mhoze Chikowero has written an award-winning book titled African Music, Power, and Being in Colonial Zimbabwe.

Host: The Center for African Studies (through support from US Department of Education's Title VI Program), KCPA Global Transfer Initiative

Thanks to the Center for Advanced Study for this information item.

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