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Thomas Mapfumo

Jonathan Mbiriyamveka Entertainment Reporter
Dr Thomas Mapfumo’s much-awaited album “Dangerzone” is set to drop on October 15, his record label Chimurenga Music Company has said.
The 10-track album tackles a wide range of issues, from the daily struggles facing the people of Zimbabwe to conflicts and wars currently raging in the world.
Speaking through his publicist Blessing Vava, Dr Mapfumo said: “The world is burning, it’s on fire, there is war in Syria, Afghanstan, Iraq, Lybia . . . all are ‘danger zones’.”

Mukanya also calls on Zimbabweans to come together and build the country and stop the politicking that divides the nation.
The album carries tracks that include “Chikonzero”, “Chikwereti”, “Are You Ready”, “Nhamo Hurombo”, “Rufaro” and “Zimbabwe” to mention but a few.

The album launch will be held in Harare at a venue yet to be announced where Dr Mapfumo will speak via skype about the album. Locally, the new album will be marketed and distributed by Diamond Studios.

So far, two singles – “Music” and a remake of his old chart topper “Shabeen” – were released ahead of his much-hyped South African concerts held last April.
Featured on the remix of “Shabeen” is Dr Mapfumo’s daughter Chiedza on backing vocals.

The track “Music” talks about different genres of music and the chorus goes: “I need music, reggae music, African music, chimurenga music, rock ‘n’ roll music, calypso music, I want some music, any kind of music . . . ”

The sweet backing vocals by his daughter, Chiedza, niece Cleopatra and Stormy an Afro-American lady blend well with Mukanya’s deep husky voice.
The remix of “Shabeen” features Natalia Rollins aka Moxie, a white American young lady who sings the original lyrics in English, with Mukanya spicing it up in Shona.

Moxie was part of the Blacks Unlimited when they toured South Africa in April.
According to Vava, Mukanya has shown his fans, both young and old, that they can get up and dance to this remix.

Both songs have amplified club mix beats and will definitely be hit club bangers both locally and internationally, he said.
He said the singles were recorded at CD studios in Eugene Oregon, United States, where the legendary singer is now based.

“Danger Zone” is Mukanya’s new recording since 2010 when he released the album “Exile”.
The Chimurenga music icon last year released a collection of his Golden Classics that dominated Mukanya’s early years in music.

The 69-year-old singer, who is known by such sobriquets as “Gandanga” and “Mukanya”, last performed in Zimbabwe 10 years ago.
An attempt to bring Mukanya back to perform with fellow superstar Oliver Mtukudzi a few years back failed to materialise.

Mukanya has promised to return home on a number of occasions with the latest being his aborted pledge to come home this month. As things stand, there is no breakthrough although he had assured fans that he was sorting out some technical issues before he comes home.

“We sincerely apologise to our multitude of fans who were looking forward to Mukanya’s homecoming shows this September. Due to circumstances beyond our control Mukanya will not be coming to Zimbabwe this September as earlier announced,” Vava said.