Artist
Thomas Mapfumo
Thomas Mapfumo is a world/ethnic artist from Eugene, Oregon formed in 1973. 21 releases are catalogued on Riffiter.
World/Ethnic · Eugene, Oregon · Best world/ethnic albums
- 21
- Releases
- 1976–2026
- Active years
- 1973
- Formed
Artist
Thomas Mapfumo is a world/ethnic artist from Eugene, Oregon formed in 1973. 21 releases are catalogued on Riffiter.
World/Ethnic · Eugene, Oregon · Best world/ethnic albums
Most popular
Chimurenga '98
1998 · 12 tracks
Toi Toi
2002
Mr. Music
—
Ndangariro
—
Danger Zone
2015
Exile
2011
Chimurenga Rebel/Manhungetunge
2002
Chimurenga Explosion
2000
Dreams and Secrets
2000
Live at El Rey
1999
Chimurenga Movement
1997
Roots Chimurenga
1996
Sweet Chimurenga
1994
Chimurenga Masterpiece
1991
Corruption
1989
Chamunorwa
1989
Zimbabwe Mozambique
1987
Mr. Music (Africa)
1985
Mabasa
1984
Hokoyo!
1976
Thomas Tafirenyika “Mukanya” Mapfumo was born in Marondera, Zimbabwe in 1945. His early childhood moments, saw him tapping the knack and interest for traditional music and instruments (ngoma, hosho and mbira) from his grandparents who were avid musicians in the village. Unbeknown to him, that early-stage set-up underlined with innocence would describe his future music career and earn him global fame. By the age of ten he lived in Mbare with his parents who worked in the city. At the time, Mbare was a black ghetto township; also a hub of protest movements against the segregationist colonial regime. That anarchic neighborhood exposed young Thomas to some early brushes with police brutality against restless freedom protesters. It was also in Mbare that Mapfumo became hooked to the stereo, finding a favorite pastime as he listened to diverse international music from famous stars of the day. That concentrated limelight would eventually inspire him to plot for a music career at that tender age. NYCSS93_serenityAround 1973 Mapfumo joined his first group, the Hallelujah Chicken band in Mhangura, a small mining town. Initially, he had sang in English but quickly spotted a need to express h…
