‘Mbira Man’

When you think of Zimbabwe, think not just of Mugabe. Think also of Thomas Mapfumo, the Mbira Man. Beautiful mbira. Metal, wood and calabash. Ancient instrument of Zimbabwe - channel to the ancestors. Missionary tried to
destroy it; Ian Smith too. But they couldn't. Mbira
dzaradzimu(“voice of the ancestors”).

In a time called Chimurenga
The tired freedom fighter
Soothed by his ancestor.
Beautiful mbira
Ancient Song of the Shona.

'Tween Zambezi and Limpopo
Came Thomas Mapfumo
Lion of Zimbabwe.
He came with Mbira
Ancient Song of the Shona.

Rebel: Once, only you had the gun. Now we have it too.
Colonial: But we had empire.
Rebel: So did we. Do you not know of Mwenemutapa?
Empires come and go.
Colonial: We will often have empire; under whatever name or
guise.
Rebel: But what is more powerful – empire today or ancestor
forever? There will always be mbira.

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* Natty Mark Samuels © 2009
* Natty Mark Samuels is a poet based in Oxford.
* Please send comments to [email protected] or comment online at Pambazuka News.