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Viomak
releases Supreme Leader protest album
Harriet
Chigege
February 27, 2010
http://www.groundreport.com/Arts_and_Culture/Protest-singer-releases-Supreme-Leader-music-album_6/2918680
On 27 February
2010, President Mugabe's 86th birthday celebrations will be
held in Bulawayo, the land of Kings and protest singer Viomak is
escorting the Supreme leader with the release of her 6th protest
music album Happy 86th birthday President R.G Matibili (Supreme
Leader). Now a well known tradition since 2005, the singer, activist
and freedom of expression campaigner releases a protest music album
every year to mark the life president's birthday with songs
that despise the dictator's unending rule. The celebrations,
which were started in 1986 to encourage the youth to emulate President
Mugabe's deeds, have become a household name in Zimbabwe where
more than half of the population is starving.
Anthemic, touchy,
and controversial Viomak's protest songs are always consistent,
as she has evolved to be a great creative singer. She deserves special
mention. The album title is self-explanatory and offers not only
a corner of the social and political situation in Zimbabwe but it
also offers some jubilant moments. This album review is also my
way of introducing you again to one of Zimbabwe's unsung heroes.
A unique and tough woman who has refused to silence her voice and
has maintained her innovative spirit amid a lot of drawbacks, temptations
and neglect. Supreme Leader is a very special album that provides
the basis for a sparkling protest scenario with themes that ring
like a school assembly bell. The recording is outstanding. Viomak,
whose name you may not know, but whose work is familiar to anyone
involved in Zimbabwe protest music and activism remains in her own
style. The album is completely different from the earlier albums.
That said, the
queen of Zimbabwe protest music is this year back with a new 8 pack
skillful production filled with touchy tunes that prove the point
that she deserves worldwide recognition as one of Zimbabwe's
protest music outstanding figures. The singer who is an iconoclast
in every sense of the word, producing music that is both relevant,
beautiful and challenging is doing extraordinarily well as she has
designed an exceptional type of revolutionary music with an out
of the obvious protest style that thrives remarkably on affluent
lyrics and powerful Zimbabwe beats.
The singer has
become a unique and important figure in Zimbabwe music, an innovator
and social change agent who never loses her appeal and determination
in singing for human rights to be respected at the same time despising
human rights abusers. She has become a great composer and one of
the few masters of the rarely heard Zimbabwe protest music. Supreme
Leader is a very balanced and mature package composed with everyone
else who is struggling in Zimbabwe in mind, healing the minds of
their troubled souls which are suffering under the self styled supreme
leader Mugabe's rule.
Supreme Leader
is like a calling and after listening to the songs one begins to
see life from other perspectives. The album reaches her audience
with excellent political and social messages as usual. The songs
are relaxed and sorrowful, performed with the confidence of a woman
who is desperate to see Zimbabwe back on the right track. The album
updates and reminds Mugabe about his crimes against humanity. Produced
in Zimbabwe and Britain over a mixture of marimbas, congas and other
outstanding instruments the release is like a salad bar, ranging
from the traditional Zimbabwean to South African beat. The banned
singer is determined to have Zimbabweans get her music so she uses
the internet on many occasions to promote her work. It has been
confirmed that the album has already reached Zimbabwe through face
book and also through contacts on face book and other contacts through
email, through her website and through other Internet options.
The real power
of the songs, like all great songs, is in the meaning of the lyrics.
Viomak is enjoying monopoly of this genre of music which she pioneered
and remains the only female protest singer in Zimbabwe among a handful
of less than five men. One only wishes that the airwaves be freed
for such kind of inspirational music to be heard. She mourns this
in one of her new songs. The bad thing is her music will be rewarded
with brutality as Zimbabwe protest artists are said to be a threat
to the government. The album which is configured with gospel packed
themes is the first album she has produced that is specifically
plotted around themes of freedom of expression and opinion, POSA
and AIPPA.
This is arguably the most touching and extremely relevant album
that she has produced to date. Targeting greater heights is what
she is doing. Were it not for the fact that her music is banned
in Zimbabwe, President Mugabe who is attending the celebrations
as the patron of the 21st February movement would have had the chance
to celebrate his birthday in style with a special song ‘Supreme
Leader' dedicated to him.
Looking at her
musical career from within, Viomak is taking it in big steps. Her
music is immediately recognisable yet continually developing into
a solid platform of protest music. The album is a reflection of
the Zimbabwe situation, the car accidents caused by Mugabe, the
repressive laws POSA and AIPPA that were imposed on Zimbabweans
to thwart freedom of expression and the banning of her music. This
is the first time that Viomak has included her personal message
in her music. Supreme Leader also addresses many socio-political
concerns, issues of land, sewages, water, darkness, unemployment
and AIDS.
Composed and
sung by Viomak alone the songs will obviously be part of a unique
form of modern protest music born in an independent Zimbabwe of
black rule. Her song writing skills shine on all the songs. A more
encouraging analysis is that her charming lyrics and their strong
melodic and lyrical style succeed in spicing the unique production
of Supreme Leader. The compositions clearly stand up to human rights
issues and upon listening to the album, one wishes there was freedom
of expression in Zimbabwe, no POSA and AIPPA, no farm invasions
or any other evils perpetrated by Mugabe and ZANU PF. One can safely
say that her music is the new torch bearer for a new revolution.
The album set
commences with the title track ‘Supreme Leader' code
named ‘Koronyera' (Thug). A very good track to start
off an album, with a thriving marimba beat that is governed by a
tough bassline and a mixture of other appropriate instruments that
go direct to the mind.The song is a Godly protest tune that questions
God on what Zimbabweans have done wrong to deserve President Mugabe.
Viomak will need an ‘orchestra' of dancers to do justice
to this song. It moves very well with hiats and congas together
with two ranges of rolls that highjack the music before each break.
An energetic brass that accompanies a pleading lead guitar makes
the song a memorable listen. Throughout the track the bassy sound
guides the entire development of the song, as the other instruments
compete for the lime light around a whole variety of tight high
pitch voices. The song starts with a captivating beat and a brass
section that sounds tight as it produces an infectious sound over
layers of interlocking elpiano and brass. ‘Supreme leader'
stands out as the crown of the album. The lyrics keep asking God
why innocent Zimbabweans are suffering whilst a bad leader keeps
ruling. The lyrics go on to advise Mugabe that his show off attitude
will soon come to pass and his supreme leader crown will soon be
tattered. The song delivers super abundant, energy-charged marimba
rhythms that send listeners astray. The instruments are well represented
in an effective manner as they are complemented by the vocals in
a beautiful unforgettable way. The harmonies give the song a confident
layer of an amazing sound.
This song particularly
surprises in a sarcastic manner. The captivating lyrics and the
force of the instruments highlight the state in which Zimbabweans
are, as they struggle under Mugabe's rule. As a title track
the song does not disappoint as apart from the production arrangement
it is an educative piece that reminds Mugabe that everything has
an ending. One immediately realises that they could be listening
to a title track due to its catch rhythm. Other highlights of the
song include an energetic chorus that revives itself whilst exploring
the suffering of Zimbabweans under Mugabe. The unique tune emphasizes
Viomak's song writing skills and continues to pity Zimbabwe's
supreme leader as a thug as it builds in strength until it ends
uniformly with a bang. A definite favourite. While the title might
lead some people to believe that Viomak was singing praises for
Mugabe, this is not the case.
The second song
‘Usiku hwekutambisa'(Wasted night) is all what it takes
to be called a protest singer. Usiku hwekutambisa is an expression
that Zimbabweans carelessly use to mean a useless person. When someone
refers to you by that expression it means you would have defied
all odds by becoming an extremely irresponsible person. The song
is packed to the full with lyrics that tell about almost every wrong
that Mugabe and ZANU PF has done and are doing causing warlike chaos
in the country. The song mourns the problems in Zimbabwe in an electrifying
manner through a host of instruments that are crafted in a compelling
way. A unique lively bouncing beat that strolls safely along with
the song accompanied by sweet melodies marks the song. Apart from
calling Mugabe a wasted night the song highlights the struggles
facing Zimbabweans and it basically summarises all of them in less
than 10 mins. She starts by singing that the deceased did not see
anything, as Zimbabweans are, struggling to survive. Fighting for
things like water, electricity, jobs, money, food, bread and land.
Life is Zimbabwe is a war of survival.
It is a song
of such distinct styles and moods. The track marathons with a range
of gentle vocals and tight instruments whistling to the end with
a crush.Viomak's approach to the song is impressive, relevant
and engaging. Even more extraordinary is that she does not put herself
at centre stage in the music. She works by allowing instruments
to pursue the song to give her listeners enough time to listen to
the producer's work. Have a listen to ‘Usiku hwekutambisa'
and you will be moved instantly. The rest about the song is within
your ears. After all this is my personal review.
The third song
is the everlasting ‘Mbiri yaMugabe' (Mugabe's
fame) which is also Viomak's most favourite song on the album.
The song chronicles what Mugabe is famous and most popular for.
The song starts with a loud catchy bang and slowly gives in to emotions
addressing Mugabe's bad popularity whilst rocking in a pool
of infectious instruments and sweet vocals. The song sounds more
like a gospel lullaby. There is no doubt that the song carries the
protest banner in its willingness to blame Mugabe for Zimbabwe's
downfall. Like a see saw her powerful lyrics swiftly surge across
the song that is embedded in plenty of political tough talk. In
the song she claims that Mugabe and company fought Douglas Smith
saying he was evil but the two seem to be the same now. ‘Mbiri
yaMugabe' is a very influential song that has the ability
to tear listeners' hearts apart. An emotionally charged song
with a deep message that will live forever in the history of Zimbabwe.
The lyrics rubber
stamp all the evils done by Mugabe and it is one type of a song
that can be given to someone to listen to in order to learn the
wrongs that Mugabe did. The varied vocals infuse the album with
great warmth and the underlying bass with the sound of marimba make
it produce unique melodies. The song will not disappoint. It is
filled with touching messages and it is hosted well alongside a
variety of thought provoking lyrics. The sort of song that makes
one to redefine Mugabe. The sad but beautiful song is a journey
into Mugabe‘s miserable deeds. A tough and tender song that
carries one in a journey of great anxiety and imagination.
The troublesome
song was specifically composed for those who are willing to embrace
the truth that Mugabe is famous for shedding blood, stealing, starving
masses and incompetence, as in the lyrics. Words are insufficient
to describe the impact this welcoming tune will have on Mugabe's
supporters and all those who think that Mugabe is a hero. The song
is quite controversial and listeners are forced to come to terms
with the reality of protest music with no safety barrier. ‘Mbiri
yaMugabe' blends well as Viomak lists the things that Mugabe
is famous for in a touching way. The lyrics slide well in the instruments,
adding a unique identity to the subtle tune. The song's impact
and strength is in its arrangement too. This is one of the most
exciting tunes on the album that was most likely developed to showcase
Mugabe's human rights abuses. A song that will last well past
the time.
The fourth song
‘Hapana Mutsvene' (No one is perfect) is a definite
hit. The song does not speak to Mugabe only but is speaks on behalf
of everyone. Viomak sings that no one is perfect and Mugabe is not
perfect either so he should listen to other people's views
and step down. ‘Hapana mutsvene' move eyebrows with
its sorrow inducing lyrics and a whole lot of other goodies in it.
The continuous marimba and trumpet sounds maintain a commendable
tight grip on one's attention with her accommodating voice
selflessly giving in the instruments enough room and time to be
felt. The rolls contribution makes the song a great lovable tune
as the voices and the instruments ride on the tough bassline without
losing focus. In the background there is the traditional congas
making it a straight dance hit. The song goes in many directions
at once, continuously repeating the chorus with an amazing sound
output.
This recording is dedicated to all those who seek and practice the
principles of understanding, tolerance and human rights. After listening
to the song one understands that there is a desire for us to cherish
life, accept and tolerate each other's mistakes. The song
has sufficient punch to keep it amazing to the last beat. The lyrics
are sweet and clever, allowing everyone regardless of political
divide to appreciate the song. The fusion of two types of rolls
with trumpet is irresistible. The perfect sound is so true to its
lyrics as Viomak sings that Mugabe is a failure who should admit
his mistakes.
The following
song ‘Mhosva' (Crimes) is a controversial recording
of rare composition, very relevant and skillfully written showing
her artfulness to the fullest. It is the most people inspired tune
on the album and features great accordions blending as one, other
times playing away from each other all packed in a South African
rhythm. In the song Viomak questions Mugabe when he is going to
pay those he killed in car accidents including Susan Tsvangirai.
As if in a court of law she narrates Mugabe's victims and
asks Mugabe when he is going to pay back for his murderous activities.
The impressive song develops naturally and Viomak does not shake
off her Manyika dialect from the Shona people.I think this is a
very good song that will forever remain relevant as it will be a
trademark for Zimbabwe politics, providing information that could
be used for research purposes and for bringing Mugabe to justice
in a court of law. The song gives one shivers and asks Mugabe tough
provocative questions which will obviously anger him. The goodness
of the song is also matched by the competent instruments which achieve
a ten over ten vibrant tune. I would ask anyone how a track like
Mhosva could possibly be forgotten. This is however the whole point
of her music. Viomak displays more flavoured vocals, accompanied
by well-balanced instruments which goes to prove that she is definitely
in touch with her kind of music.
‘Mhosva'
clearly blames Mugabe for killing Josiah Tongogara, Rukarwa, Ndangana,
Susan Tsvangirai and here the political activist slightly moves
away from the ordinary to try something different. The South African
dance rhythm creates great protest dance music. The lead is well
placed until the end of the song. Whether one chooses to dance to
the song or to just listen to it, it is given that either way the
song speaks to the soul. Viomak who is very much involved in the
fight for Zimbabwe human rights directs her views in this song as
she questions when Mugabe will bring back the money he stole and
all the people who disappeared.
Her perception
of political events in Zimbabwe and her ability to artistically
share her views roar in this track, emphasizing her musical knowledge
and writing skills, whilst painting the song's composition
to a perfect shine. ‘Mhosva' has a strong magnificent
arrangement, a very illustrious plot and a practical theme. The
moment the song starts playing it is common sense that the tune
is powerful from the way it grabs your attention. The lyrics pull
one ‘s curiosity sideways before she asks Mugabe the next
question and so on. Ofcourse the music tightens and gets more controversial
when she asks Mugabe how he is going to end the chaotic land reform
programme and when he is going to rebuild the poor people's
houses that he destroyed during Murambatsvina (Clean the filth).
The mix of congas, kicks, snares and rolls gets you into a dancing
mood drifting you to the end of the song unknowingly.
I can't
tell how she approached the sixth song ‘Vakadyei' (What
did you eat?), questioning what Mugabe ate to achieve so many years
in a country where ordinary citizens are failing to reach forty
years. The irresistible feeling is a sense of fake celebration in
the song. Viomak asks God for how long Zimbabweans have to put up
with Mugabe. The song feels beautiful and nourishes the mind on
top of a natural raw voice quality free from excessive reverb. You
can feel some pain through Viomak's worried voice as she insists
on knowing what Mugabe ate to reach all those years in a country
where life expectancy for men and women is below 50years.
A very interesting
song that relies on truth with lyrics that rhyme in an amazing way
as she sarcastically praise Mugabe for surviving against all odds.
The congas, which are almost a must in her songs, support her as
she sarcastically praises Mugabe for living for so many years as
if he had eaten a railway line. The song gets you into a jovial
mood without your consent as usual creating a completely original
music sound that easily invites one to the dance floor. As you take
in the song, it strikes on you that the simple but complex repetitive
lyrics produce a rich and sweet melody. Apart from being a danceable
song the energetic tune captures neatly all what protest music is
all about.
Going on to
the song ‘Yapidiguka' (Zimbabwe is upside down), the
track is transmitted in an instantly likeable way. Viomak is clearly
with this song obviously going to find a bigger audience. A combination
of kicks, hiats, rolls, rimshot, brass, organ, brass, and snare
wed with Viomak's touchy lyrics to produce a masterpiece.
It is not only a masterpiece in terms of production but for the
fact that it recognizes Zimbabwe‘s historical icons Kaguvi
and Nehanda and gives them the respect they deserve in an amusing
way that is rather very pleasing to note. The song is like a report
to the Zimbabwean icons that Mugabe has turned Zimbabwe upside down
and the country is in a reverse motion, moving backwards instead
of developing forward.
The song attacks
the well-known repressive laws, POSA and AIPPA asking Mugabe to
remove the draconian laws and allow freedom of expression to prevail.
The political activist cum protest singer also recognizes the plight
of banned musicians and asks Mugabe to free the airwaves. The song
will be a nationwide tune if given the attention it deserves. Listening
to it calmly before standing up to dance to the upbeat tempo one
feels as if they are asked to resolve a jigsaw puzzle. It is one
those welcoming tunes that raises you up and slowly brightens you
all the way to the end. At least the last minutes of the song are
dedicated to instruments, which is a good thing or else the tension
created in the song would be too much to leave untreated. The track
remains a must-hear tune with its pleasant organ sound. After repeated
listening, one realises that the tune has an undeniable broad appeal
and will certainly acquire varied popularity. In this song Viomak's
work as a freedom of expression campaigner is solidified and honoured.
Supreme Leader
album goes to rest with the South African beat song Uchaisepi (Where
will you put?).In the song the singer asks Mugabe where he will
put the money he stole, the wife he stole the diamonds he stole
after he dies. An inquisitive song that appears to indicate that
Viomak is longing for Mugabe to go. A load of instruments start
at the same time producing a catchy dense output. It goes on for
a short while before some instruments temporarily give up leaving
the bass, the lead and other bits to remain in the race until the
end. Quite an interesting listen. Within the song, the lead sounds
great and it manages to lead Viomak well from one verse to the next
abruptly changing its beat in an amazing way. Something like changing
lanes. She alertly joins in the beat by chanting the repetitive
song title Uchaisepiko uchaisepi (Where will you put, where will
you put) as if she is cheering a horse race in liaison with the
bass which is allowed to prosper and play all the time. A very classical
song that displays some interesting mixture of Zimbabwean and South
African beat. Also of concern in the song is where Mugabe will put
the mansion he built and the donor funds he stole. The song appeals,
moves and offers the kind of joy that the world of South African
dance could never even expect. The song will survive because of
the greatness of everything in it.
Following after
‘Mhosva', ‘Uchaisepi' (Where will you put)
has a strong element of passionate singing, which gives the tune
a very soft touch. ‘Uchaisepi' gave Viomak a chance
to experiment outside the strictly protest songs of most of her
work. This one is sort of general as it does not mention Mugabe's
name even though some people will be able to tell that the song
refers to Mugabe. Supported along by the sound of a bright piano,
organ, och string, bottle, snare and lead guitar, the track offers
a fantastic balance of sound that easily calls one to the dance
floor. The song is more than just a song, but skill as well, as
the lyrics and sound pose a remarkable style that she carefully
constructed to bring out the social and political issues destroying
Zimbabwe. There is absolutely no doubt that ‘Uchaisepi'
will appeal to a large listenership. She successfully competes with
the instruments to end the song in a Zimbabwean signature. ‘Uchaisepi'
provides a great platform for the next Mugabe birthday album as
it leaves one in suspense for what is to come next.
After this,
Viomak confirmed that she is working on many other protest music
albums including ‘ZANU DC', ‘Good Nonsense Unearthed'
and women issues albums, ‘Child Abuse', ‘Hello
Women' and the single song Chinja Maitiro. Of course 50% of
the songs proceeds go to charity to help Zimbabweans in need.
More about her
music and her work is on her website http://www.viomakcharitymusic.com
Please credit www.kubatana.net if you make use of material from this website.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License unless stated otherwise.
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