The very first guitar notes on this album evoke the spirit of optimism that prevailed in Zimbabwe in the 1970s as the country struggled for independence. They come from Thomas Mapfumo, one of the most important musical voices of the time. Mapfumo was imprisoned for his political views both under the white minority government of Rhodesia and later under Robert Mugabe, whom he also openly criticized. As in many places in sub-Saharan Africa, a new musical language emerged after the end of the colonial era, fusing Western pop styles with local rhythms, harmonies, and instruments.
During this period, Zimbabwe produced many musicians who gained international recognition: In addition to Mapfumo, they included Stella Chiweshe, John Chibadura, the Four Brothers – once described by John Peel as the best live band in the world – and the Green Arrows. Roots Rocking Zimbabwe collects 25 recordings from the 1970s and 1980s, some of them rare, that bring this creative heyday to life in all its stylistic diversity: from the raw garage rock of the Dagger Rock Band to the Chimurenga sound of Mapfumo, from the funky “Joburg Bound” by the New Tutenkhamen to reggae and soulful ballads like “Shanga Yangu” by the Harare Mambos.
