This is the first in a series of rare recordings from Zimbabwe. Much of this music was never marketed on a commercial scale, but remained as studio productions played on Zimbabwe’s then Radio 2 on a programme called “Dzemagitare” hosted by Simon Pashoma Ncube.
Musicians such as Sinyoro Jackson Chinembiri did not sing for fame or fortune, but mainly for entertainment purposes. In addition, these musicians used their songs as a medium for social commentary and instruction. Various social and cultural themes were explored.
For instance, such virtues as respect for elders, good behavior among both the young and old was extolled through music. A few of the musicians who became more popular on a national scale, such as Safirio Madzikatire aka Mukadota and Jordan Chataika, had their roots or beginnings in “dzemagitare”, so named because the main, if not the only instrument was the guitar.
What i intend to do in this project is to pay tribute to these largely unsung pioneers of Zimbabwe’s music, and to make those proud Zimbabweans, within and without, to reminisce and appreciate the richness of our heritage that stretches far beyond the present. Enjoy and Reminisce!
