By Lookout Staff
July 30, 2009 – Thomas Mapfumo, known as “the lion of Zimbabwe” for the immense political influence he wields in his homeland, will bring his pioneering brand of Afropop to the Santa Monica Pier during a free concert Thursday night.
Before being exiled, Mapfumo adapted the traditional music played on the “mbira,” or thumb piano to modern electric sounds forging a music that was both rhythmically infectious and politically daring.
"Our music speaks for the people<” Mapfumo has said. “We are influenced by the people who are struggling at home. Their voices have been silenced. Someone has got to talk."
A resident of Oregon, Mapfumo became a dissident voice early on, when he began singing primarily in the Shona language, instead of in English, and advocating a revolution against the white ruling class.
He called his new style Chimurenga, which means "struggle" and also was the name of a late nineteenth-century revolutionary movement. His lyrics openly called for a violent overthrow of the government, whose members didn’t understand Shona.
In 1979, Mapfumo was tossed into a prison camp without charges after his song "Hokoyo!" (which means "Watch out!") was banned from the state-controlled radio.
Mapfumo’s music continued to be played in clubs and on private radio, and he was released three months later after massive protests.
After free elections were held in 1980, Mapfumo continued to sing political songs that now addressed poverty and other social issues.
After his landmark album “Corruption” was released in 1989, the singer became more and more critical of the Mugabe regime. After being accused of taking part in a stolen-car ring, Mapfumo moved to Oregon. He continues to record and tour, bringing his popular brand of political Afropop to new generations of fans.
The concert run from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the pier parking lot (on the pier) and is free. No alcohol is allowed. Dogs are allowed as long as they are on a leash.
Guests are more than welcomed to bring their own seating but seats will be available for rental.
