HARARE - Chimurenga artiste Jairos Chabvonga is returning to City Sports Bar in the capital tonight where he is expected to perform at the joint’s weekly event jam session.
The Thomas Mapfumo-inspired artiste told the Daily News that he is going to give his loyal fans value for money.
“I have learnt to perfect my act over the years and I am convinced that I am almost there. At the moment my focus is on delivering a polished act to give value to my loyal fans.
“I have got faith that one day things will shape up; for this reason, I have invested heavily in music,” he said.
Chabvonga will share the stage with artistes such as Liversy Matamba, King Omale, Nina Grande, Lyaness, Faith Candy, Sasha, Madiz, Gentlemen’s Rock, John Manyozo and Prezha Agents, Potato and Talking Guitars among others.
“Chimurenga music took a back seat when Mapfumo relocated to the United States of America and it is now a mammoth task to revive it here in Zimbabwe. There is a lot to be done but I am encouraged by the positive response I am getting from my fans.
“The genre has been dented by politics; some of the fans fear to associate with the genre because the majority of Chimurenga artistes used it to pursue political agendas.
“However, I strongly believe with time, the genre will reclaim its top position in the country as fans and artistes are here,” Chabvonga said.
He added that Chimurenga genre is the backbone of Zimbabwean culture hence it should not be neglected at all.
“I believe the genre defines us as Zimbabweans. It started here hence Zimbabweans should be proud of it, they should not leave to die,” Chabvonga said.
Chabvonga’s sentiments were also backed by veteran artiste Leonard Zhakata who said sungura and Chimurenga music genres must not be escorted to graveyards as they carry national history and identity.
“The music genres are part of our identity as Zimbabweans hence it is fatal to celebrate its death. Country music is among the oldest genres in Europe but fans unlike here they do not want to let it go and they are proud of it.
“Our major problem is that we have misinterpreted the idea of preserving identity as a sign of primitiveness or backwardness,” he said.
Chabvonga has three albums under his belt namely Nevanji, Chimurenga Highway and Chimurenga Heritage.
Apart from the albums, he has collaborated with artistes including Andy Muridzo and Soul Jah Love among others.
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