Music And Arts Scene - Mapfumo Steps Out
THOMAS MAPFUMO & THE BLACKS UNLIMITED: 'Ndangariro' (EARTHWORKS ELP 2005)
"Nyarara Mukadzi Wangu' 'Temerina' ERT1001) 'Handina Mwana
'Anozochema'/'Nyoka Musango' 'Kambiri Kaenda' 'Emma' Zimbabwe did not only fight for independence but also provided fine musicians in the heat of the struggle. Music has been a struggle for some, not excluding Thomas Mapfumo whose records were banned from airplay on pre-independence radio stations due obviously to the revolutionary content which landed him in a 90-day detention without trial.
The experience through heavy rock, revolutionary reggae and traditional music show clearly in this album. Thomas sings as a hero indeed. The wisdom and foresight of Mapfumo's lyrics which abound in this album make him the father-figure of Zimbabwean traditional music in spite of his age. No wonder that his album is currently one of the fastest selling records in Southern/Central Africa.
'Nyarara Mukadzi Wangu' has the get-up-and-go beat and is not without the Central African zeal. The hand- clapping beckons you almost forcefully to the floor especially when you concentrate on the 'yei, yei, yei' of Mapfumo.
Mapfumo does not forget his Zulu Jive in Temerina' right from the moment he gives way to the sax solo. The mood is brighter in this track with the harmonious chorus - again typical of the sub-region.
In 'Handina Mwana Anozochema' the bassist confirms his class; indeed it is undisputable.
The B side employs more compelling drive and warmth especially 'Emma' which begins funkishly but retains its African expansiveness set in a slightly Zulu Jive tone. The guitar work is unassuming but smooth and relentlessly good in the use of instruments.
Nyoka Musango' reminds me of one of the best songs of the Frafra tribe in Northern Ghana. The album is yours.
PAT THOMAS IN ACTION VOL.2: 'Asante Kotoko'/'Mewo Akoma' (EARTHWORKS/ROUGH TRADE)
Pat Thomas, unfortunately not much known to British audiences, is by all standards the best hi-life singer in Ghana, a title which was conferred on him in 1978 by the Arts Council of Ghana. He graduated through both guitar band music of Onyina and the dance bands of hi-life of Broadway and Uhuru after Mac Tonto and others had left.The A-side is a glowing tribute to the greatest African football team (Asante Kotoko of Kumasi, Ghana, who are the current African champions). Although an old inspirational song of the 'porcupine warriors', as they are otherwise called in Ghana (Kotoko meaning porcupine), Pat gives it an insistent tempo. Besides, the song confirms that Pat has not lost the usual emotion and warmth of his voice through the years. The only temporary break for you is half-way through where drums and percussion impose a certain tempo on your feet.
The lyrics in 'Mewo Akoma' touch on everyday tales of jealousy, love, hatred, treachery and disappointments. On a much smoother beat almost to the point of sounding boring, Pat characteristically captures your attention to his unique but emotional voice especially when he expresses love in the lyrics.
The music is tidy and if you give this 12-incher a try you will realize that Pat Thomas comes before the few hi-life singers you have been given a chance to listen to.
SUPER MAZEMBE: 'Shauru Yako'/ 'Pepepe' (EARTHWORKS ET001)
Singing in Swahili Super Mazembe has made a huge success sweeping from Kenya to all parts of Africa. 'Shauri Yako' (it's your problem) is one of the key tracks to their success. In spite of its smoothness the guitars twang and flash mercilessly but still with the usual African melody.Though the Kenyan pop sound is borrowed from Zaire and Congo you I will hardly notice any defect in the music.
'Pepepe' is set in even better tone and prepares you in a mid-tempo beat (guitars, voices and drums, all chiming in) until Super Mazembe succeed in launching you in a dancing mood. Though without horns the track is particularly attractive especially when instruments begin to clatter. EDITOR'S NOTE The editor renews her invitation to African records distributors and dealers to send copies of records for review purposes. Readers may also send their reactions to the reviews to the editor.
