ZANLA FORCES WAR SONGS

ZANU is the Zimbabwe African National Union, the political wing of the Maoist faction of the majority-rule movement in Zimbabwe in the 1970s; the militant wing being ZANLA, the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army. They and ZAPU—the Zimbabwe African People's Union, the Soviet backed faction (with its Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army, ZIPRA)—used song to stir up the masses. "Chimurenga" is shona for "struggle"; these are songs of the struggle.

This LP, recorded in the soldier camps sometime in the 1970s, most likely in Mozambique (see Thomas Turino's Nationalists, Cosmopolitans, and Popular Music in Zimbabwe for info, especially pp. 206207), contains folk songs, church songs and European choral music with the words changed to spread the revolutionary message. The idea was to use songs familiar to the people, allowing for easy teaching. Most songs are purely vocal, since instruments were not widely available in the soldier's camps; but a few have really great hand percussion.

My favorite track is the first one, "Zvinozibwa NeZANU," apparently hymn-based, according to Turino. It tells the story of ZANU: of how "The sons and daughters of Zimbabwe came together to form a Party," and how they "chose Mugabe to lead the people." It told how "after our leaders left the country, we followed them, one by one in small groups until there were many of us." The song tells of how nationalist leaders were jailed and murdered, and concludes, "Now we are armed to the teeth, Our soliders are spoiling for a fight" (Turino, p. 211)

Category:

Music

Tags:

• ZANU PF
• MDC
• SADC
• ANC
• SWAPO
• LAND REFORM
• RHODESIA
• PF ZAPU
• JOSHUA NKOMO
• HARARE
• BULAWAYO
• ZIMBABWE
• MASHONALAND
• MATABELELAND
• MAVAMBO

[dezdetin]

This was when when the people were the people, before the revolution had been hijacked by greed money grabbing idiots. This was when the people yearned for a united happy Zimbabwe.Even Mugabe was a hero then!!! How times have changed!!

[Mutape1]

Zvinorwadza , after all this fighting, fighting for freedom this is what we get. From being just a normal poor nation to an Extremely very poor country with very talented , loving and hardworking nationals. PAMBERI NEKUVA NE TARIRO MACOMRADES. One day we will all going to restore the economy of our Beloved Zimbabwe.

[chipochiroorwa]

It's mind blowing to imagine that most of these voices if not all are singing from the grave. Thank you guys for liberating us, lest we forget.....It's so sad that the people who deserved to enjoy the fruits of liberation were deprived of it and some jerk asses are ripping our country apart. What a shame!!!

[rmakg]

@dezdetin your mouth speaks e bittr truth my brother

[biggrigga]

@MsFalloutgrl Are you joking ?

[Taotamahachi]

Tired songs I must say-

[MsFalloutgrl]

we all suffered during this period.. for anyone even to suggest Rhodesia was better makes me boil with anger.. things will only better in our beautiful zim....rest assured. itsthe greatest country on the planet!!

[Asadsniper]

Rhodesia was better!

[chivataful]

bringing good and painful memories of war, hope and anxiety for the unknown future

[Mablinga]

Cmdt Josiah Tongogarah...