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Entertainment Reporter
Chimurenga music fans that have been starved of good new products and shows from the genre will have something to smile about following the release of Jairos Chabvonga’s new album “Chimurenga Highway”.

The album carries exciting tracks that are likely to take the local music industry by storm.

Chabvonga said he is humbled to be following the footsteps of renowned Chimurega pioneer Thomas Mapfumo who inspired him.

“When I was growing up I marvelled at the artistic expertise shown by Mapfumo. I was a serious fan of the musician and he inspired me to sing,” he said.

“When I thought of becoming a musician, I could not go for any other genre because I saw creative value in Chimurenga music.

“We are all waiting for Mapfumo’s return but at the moment we are striving to keep Chimurenga fans entertained. It is my wish to see the genre going to another level and I encourage aspiring and young musician to consider pursuing the genre.

“If we have more Chimurenga musicians, we will be able to keep the genre alive. This is a genre that is one of pioneering Zimbabwean music styles that defined our music especially after independence and we will work hard to preserve it.”

Chabvonga’s beat and quality of production leaves little doubt that he is able to revive Chimurenga music.

Mapfumo released a new album this year but it could not make a mark, which has widened the gap he left in Chimurenga music when he relocated to the United States.

Chabvonga’s album has a great potential to quench the thirst among Chimurenga music fans.

The opening song of the album “Kure Kwemeso” tells enemies that their plans will always be known to their intended victims because information travels faster than action.

On “Hutadzi” he notes that ancestors and God are angry because of young people’s bad ways. He says things have gone bad for us and we need to change.

“Pamusoro Pegomo” is about a poor man’s wish to get to a better place in life. He wishes to be on top of a mountain where several provisions are available.

On the track “Rombe” Chabvonga represents a grieving parent who laments being neglected by children. The parent says he is suffering because the children are failing to look after him.

“Vamwe Zvavo” is a duet with Dino Mudondo, which mirrors the musicians’ real situations. The musicians mourn their late fathers and admit that there are gaps in their lives because of the loss.

Mudondo and Chabvonga have a lot in common since they were in the same class at school

“Rairo” is a warning to a son not to be promiscuous and encouragement to work hard.