zimbabwe

Thomas Mapfumo (born 1945 in Marondera, Zimbabwe) is a Zimbabwean musician known as "The Lion of Zimbabwe" for his immense popularity and for the political influence he wields through his music. Pre-Independence, his songs openly called for the violent overthrow of the government, with lyrics like "Mothers, send your sons to war." Since the white government didn't understand Shona, however, at first they didn't realize how radical the songs were.

Netsayi is a Zimbabwean singer-songwriter. In 2006 she released her debut album 'Chimurenga Soul' on her own Militant Prince label. It was described as 'refreshingly, startlingly excellent' by Mojo magazine who know a thing or two about refreshing, startling excellence. Thereafter, she contacted one of her favourite indie labels, World Connection, via MySpace and persuaded a big Dutchman called Albert to snap her up.

Now, a couple of years later, her second album, 'Monkey's Wedding', is all but ready to go. It features all sorts of musicians from all sorts of places including Baby 'Soul' N'Sola, Jeremiah Samuel, Rujeko Dumbutshena, Joe Legwabe ... in fact, more than 20 in total; but they've all been working to Netsayi's vision (albeit with a helping hand from top production duo Bacon & Quarmby).

Over the last few years, Netsayi has headlined at festivals across the UK, Europe and Africa, but Autumn 2009 sees her take to the road in support of celebrated South Africans, Ladysmith Black Mambazo.