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'Mugabe is the reason why I sing'
Silence Genti, ZimCanada.com
June 03, 2006

http://www.zimcanada.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=634&Itemid=189

Interview
Armed with an album dedicated to none other than President Robert Mugabe, Viomak is the latest addition to the genre of protest music. "Diaspora Classics 1" sees the Halifax-based singer blasting the Zimbabwean government for the various ills afflicting the country. Silence Genti looks at the Viomak phenomenon

The annals of Zimbabwean music history are littered with great social and political commentators. None, however, have been as pointed as Viomak. The cover of the Halifax-based artist features a happy birthday message for President Robert Mugabe with songs on the repeatedly calling for the president to leave office. Even the longtime Mugabe critic, Thomas Mapfumo, shies away from mentioning the president by name in his song. But Viomak constantly refers to President Mugabe and ZANU PF in anything but flattering terms.

Viomak hopes to move President Mugabe to resign. The Halifax-based singer, who says she wants to use her "voice to make a difference in someone's life", has aroused interest in Zimbabwean communities in cities such as Montreal, Yellowknife, Hamilton, Vancouver and Toronto as well as outside Canada."It takes courage to do what she is doing," said Tichaona, a Montréal-based Zimbabwean. "Nobody else has been able to name names in protest songs about Zimbabwe."

The genre of protest music is crucial to any nation. The history of Zimbabwean liberation would not be incomplete without mentioning the fiery, inspirational music from Mapfumo. The fact that Viomak is based in Halifax, and not Harare, undoubtedly allows her a few artistic luxuries that most Zimbabwean artists do not have. But still, she must be commended for taking a path treaded by only a few.

The songs featured on "Diaspora Classics 1" are modeled on church hymns and deal with socio-economic as well political issues. The academic, businesswoman and musician attended St David's Bonda Mission and Nagle House high schools. She is a former teacher in Zimbabwe and is a University of Zimbabwe and Mt St Vincent University (Canada) alumnus. She recently spoke with zimcanada.com.

Q. What motivates you to sing?

A. The suffering of Zimbabweans especially at home, caused by the present Government's irresponsible and selfish ruling.

Q. What role do you think artists have to play in Zimbabwe today? Do you think they are playing that role?
A. Zimbabwe is a country in a very deadly situation now, and I expect artists to be involved directly or indirectly in informing society. Entertainment musicians whilst entertaining might have to educate (if they are able to) society on the happenings of Zimbabwe today since they are expected to be society's mouth pieces. Some artists like Cont Mhlanga, Hosiah Chipanga and Leonard Zhakata, are doing great and should be applauded for being great entertainers and educators. Gospel musicians whilst worshiping and praising our Almighty Father, might have to involve themselves in songs that call upon the Lord to heal Zimbabwe and actually mention our country in their songs.

I think artists should also be involved in cementing some aspects of our culture that are vital to us, but unfortunately some of them are singing themes that are destroying us as a people all for the sake of money. Taking a destructive role in society is what influential people like musicians should try by all means to avoid. They should be made aware that music is a very powerful tool that can cause devastating effects. Their roles should include spreading knowledge and wisdom to the people of which some of them are not doing.

Q. One of our readers from Montreal asked: Your lyrics are unashamedly anti-government, do you not fear for your life?

A No. I’m blessed in that I happened to come across Rick Warren 's book 'The purpose driven life - What on earth am I here for?' After reading the book I learnt that we can choose our careers, our spouses, our hobbies and many other things, but we cannot choose our purposes in Life. So, I'm doing what I'm doing now to fulfill my purpose; and whatever happens to me will be God's will. God is my creator, and I was in His care even before I was born. That said, God has a reason for everything, and He will see me through this dangerous ordeal. On the other hand, if Mugabe didn't fear for his life to fight against (Ian) Smith, then we should also be brave enough to fight against his rule.

Q. Your first release is curiously dedicated to President Mugabe. Why?

A. Mugabe is the reason for my objectives, and hoping to achieve the objectives without dedicating my music to him will be extremely meaningless and unfruitful. He is the centre of our problems; and so, I have to make him aware through my music, hoping that he will be man enough and resign.

Q. How would you characterize the response to your first CD?

A. It came as a shock and a great relief to many people. In Zimbabwe the response is huge. After the Standard and Independent papers published my story, I received a lot of communication mostly from Zimbabweans at home who want to buy. I also received a few threats from some people in Zimbabwe. In the diaspora people received it with open hands, with many non Zimbabweans buying for the charitable cause, since they don't understand the language. Some organisations like Amnesty International (Halifax branch) have come in to assist with the selling of the music.

Q. Any plans to record another CD?

A. Yes, I have a good number of albums awaiting recording now, and a follow up album is on the way. I would like to market this debut album first such that it reaches the largest possible sphere of influence. Plans are underway to market it from Zimbabwe.

*Proceeds from CD sales are donated to various charities.

For more information please visit www.viomakcharitymusic.com

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