HARARE - Fast-riding Chimurenga musician Jairos Chabvonga has vowed to take exiled legend Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo’s music legacy to another level.
Chabvonga said Mukanya, who went into self-exile in the early 2000s left a void difficult to fill in terms of the Chimurenga genre and he was ready to go out to re-establish his rich musical legacy.
“I used to attend Mapfumo’s concerts in 1990s and that inspired me a lot. Since he relocated to America, a number of musicians have failed to fit into his shoes.
“I am prepared to go out of my way in resuscitating the Chimurenga genre,” said the 39-year-old artiste.
The Ngorimba Afro-Fusion front man told the Daily News that he would soon embark on a massive album promotion to be held in all parts of the country.
“Everything is now in place for the band to perform across the country, a tour meant to promote our album Nevanji.
“I know it is a challenging task to revive a dying genre but with God’s help I know we are going to make it,” he said.
The album comprises of songs such as KuZimbabwe, Dongo, Botso, Maidei, Donhodzo, Magumo Enyika, Mombe Yehumai and Vatenda Masoja.
Chabvonga, whose dream is either to share the stage or collaborate with Mapfumo in future, said Chimurenga music was not meant for the faint-hearted.
“Chimurenga is a Shona word meaning war; hence we are fighting social injustice and cultural erosion.
“We are not going to stop the fight until cultural cohesion and social justice prevails in society,” said Chabvonga.
However, Chabvonga said he was different from other followers of Mukanya in the sense that he believes in originality.
“Chimurenga music is the same but I am not Mukanya, I believe in originality not copying somebody’s style,” said Chabvonga.