Zimbabwe Musician Thomas Mapfumo to Perform at Ohio University
ATHENS, Ohio -- Thomas Mapfumo, popularly known as the "Bob Marley of Zimbabwe," will bring his unique style of music, chimurenga, to Ohio University at 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, in Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium. The concert is part of the university's 2001-2002 Cultural Arts Series.
As the creator of chimurenga, the Shona word for "struggle," Mapfumo has used his music since the 1970s as a form of political expression against both the past white minority government of Zimbabwe, formerly known as Rhodesia, and the current regime of President Robert Mugabe.
"We are thrilled that one of Africa's leading bands is coming to Athens, Ohio," said Stephen Howard, director of the African Studies program at the Center for International Studies. "His music transports me to southern Africa. Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium will rock!"
Also known as the "Lion of Zimbabwe," Mapfumo's music has been viewed as controversial by his country's government and was banned both before and after Zimbabwe's fight for freedom from Rhodesia. His lyrics prompted the Rhodesian government to imprison him for a short time.
Mapfumo and his band, "the Blacks Unlimited," have made the mbira, an African musical instrument, popular worldwide. He has performed with such musical legends as Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen and Bob Marley and the Wailers and has taken chimurenga to countries worldwide, including Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States. The artist's work consistently ranks at the top of the World Music Charts Europe, reinforcing his role as an international musical legend.
Ohio University presented Mapfumo with an honorary doctorate of music from the College of Fine Arts at the June 2001 commencement ceremony. Howard also named Mapfumo co-chair of the International Advisory Board of the Institute for the African Child at the university.
Tickets are $7.50 for the general public and $5 for students and are available at the Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium box office, (740) 593-1780. Box office hours are noon until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
