Despite continuing tensions, Zimbabwe’s year long Inclusive Government has resulted in significant economic and political changes giving great relief to long suffering Zimbabweans. Considerable as these changes are, a lot remains to be done for Zimbabwe to fully transition to a peaceful and democratic order, particularly in terms of critical political reforms and national healing. In addition, to institutionalize irreversible political reforms, key questions must be addressed in relation to how Zimbabwe’s economy long ravaged by Structural Adjustment Programs and corruption, among other factors, can be reconstructed in the interest of ordinary people.
The conference theme, ‘Dare to Shape the Future’ emphasizes thinking outside the box and encourages participants to creatively imagine and help construct a different future for Zimbabwe, moving away from destructive polarization and conflict to justice, healing and reconciliation. And from repression, exploitation and poverty to freedom, equity and development. The conference will take place within the context of the yearlong existence of the Inclusive Government in Zimbabwe and will coincide with Zimbabwe’s 30th independence anniversary. In line with the theme of daring to shape the future – the conference will pioneer a culture of inclusive dialogue among a diverse range of stakeholders of different opinions and political stripes to help forge a new culture of tolerance. Speakers from Zimbabwe will help bring a better understanding of civil society struggles on the ground and how the solidarity community can help and will help shape people centered U.S. policies at a crucial time in Zimbabwe’s history.
For more information visit http://www.africaaction.org/conference-home.html or contact Africa Action at 202-546-7961 or [email][email protected]
Special Evening Event:
Africa Action Presents: Zimbabwe Solidarity Concert
6:00pm-8:30pm
For ticket information, visit:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/107605
Thomas Mapfumo and the Blacks Unlimited
Thomas Mapfumo, born in Marondera, Zimbabwe in 1945 is also sometimes called the Lion of Zimbabwe. He is responsible for blending traditional Shona mbira music with western instruments and a political message full of innuendo and traditional proverbs. He established the musical style, chimurenga (the Shona word for struggle).
In the 1970s Zimbabwe's people fought a war of independence againt their white Rhodesian rulers. Out of that grew chimurenga which is based on the Shona majority's chiming, cyclical rhythms, patterns and melodies of the mbira resulting in a hypnotric almost trance-like music. Mapfumo took that traditional music and added electric guitars, horns, and a drum kit. With his electronic interpretations of traditional mbira music he became a huge star in Zimbabwe. Being that some of his lyrics addressed the struggle for independence the white Rhodesian government felt threatened by his popularity, As a result, in 1977, Mapfumo was detained in prison for 90 days because of his song Hokoya (Watch Out). He and his band, The Blacks Unlimited now tour widely. Don't miss them!
Ensemble Mawuya
Ensemble Mawuya (Welcome) is a fluid group of musicians, dancers and artists brought together by the common bonds of creative expression and a strong desire to share all that is vibrant and beautiful in African culture. While its members’ artistic interests span the diversity of the continent and Diaspora, their primary focus is on the Shona culture and its signature musical instrument, the mbira.
Shona people form the largest part of the population of Zimbabwe. Music is central to their daily lives and activities, and ranges in function from ritual, ceremonial, social and incidental. As in many other African cultures, strong, complex rhythms and call and-response characterize their music.
Learn more at http://www.ensemblemawuya.org/ or download the musician's biographies below.
VM Six
Vocal Motion Six (Vm6) is a 5-person male Acappella and Classical group taking Namibia by storm with their exceptional blending harmonies. The members, Vasco, Thomas, Jones, Mark and Peter, represent the Mario and the Chizyuka families and began singing together in February 1999.
Furthermore, according to their website, "our commitment to social change is demonstrated trough a mutually embraced goal to produce “Music with a Message” with the aim to inspire other Namibian youth and the world at large. Our aim and commitment is to make a difference and bring about positive change in our world beginning with one step at a time."
- Log in to post comments
- 494 reads
Author
Anonymous (not verified)
