Nehanda Choir Releases Debut Album

Nehanda was the leader of the resistance organized by the Mashona people against white-settler colonialism in Zimbabwe. She was captured and executed by the British for her fearless struggles against British imperialism., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.

Nehanda Choir releases debut album

Wednesday, 06 July 2011 02:00
Zimbabwe Herald

The group is called Muzarabani Nehanda Choir in an effort to pay homage to Mbuya Nehanda

Entertainment Reporter

A 40-member choral group from Muzarabarani in Mashonaland Central Province - Muzarabani Nehanda Choir - has released its debut album titled "Chimurenga Simudza".

The album is in the mould of revolutionary songs similar to those played by Mbare Chimurenga Choir.

One of the group members, Ainesu Kasambarave (45), said they decided to call themselves Muzarabani Nehanda Choir in an effort to promote the area as well as paying homage to Mbuya Nehanda, who was one of the pioneers of the liberation struggle.

"Our aim as a group is to promote our area (Muzarabani). We also want to remind youths of the sacrifices that Mbuya Nehanda and other heroes and heroines who came after her made for the liberation of this country. We also want to inculcate into people's minds how our leaders like President Mugabe have led the country with vision, courage and determination," Kasambarave said.

The group, which was formed in October last year, also received a major boost to its music career by having talented musician Taruvinga Manjokota, popularly known as Sugar Sugar, as its producer.

The album opens with the track "Mutsi-ndo" which is about how President Mugabe has made a lasting impression as a nationalist not only on the African continent but also across the globe.

Another song with a similar message is the title track "Chimurenga Simudza" which urges the President to remain resolute in the face of detractors. The unity that leaders share and enjoy in the region makes up the gist of the song "Pahukama" while the same leaders are urged not to flinch, in the track, "Mirai Panzvimbo".

"Guerilla Mumakomo" goes back in history chronicling the birth of the Chimurenga struggle leading to the country's Indepen-dence in 1980. The rest of the songs on the album are just as impressive. The group has currently finished working on a DVD album set for release soon.