Thomas Tafirenyika Mukanya Mapfumo was born on July 2nd, 1945, in the town of Marondera in Zimbabwe. He learned to play music at an early age. His mother was a talented musician, and his grandparents would hold all-night parties featuring traditional instruments such as the drums and mbiras.

Thomas Mapfumo plays a style of music that is known as chimurenga. Chimurenga is a Shona word that means struggle. The term was invented by Mapfumo to describe a style of music that combined Shona roots music based on the mbira with modern instruments and his critical socio-political messages. He leads a large band called Black Unlimited.

In January of 2001 he moved temporarily to the United States. That same year he was given an honorary doctorate degree by Ohio State University (USA). Eventually, the move to the United states became permanent. He now resides in Eugene, Oregon

Hokoyo (Gramma, 1978)

Gwingdingwi Rine Shumba (1980)

Ndangariro (Shanachie, 1983)

Mabasa (Gramma, 1984)

Mr. Music (Gramma, 1985)

Chimurenga For Justice (Gramma, 1986)

Zimbabwe/Mozambique (Gramma, 1987)

Varomba Kuvaromba (Gramma, 1988). Released under the Mango label with the title Corruption (Mango, 1989)

Chamunorwa (Gramma, 1989). Released under the Mango label in 1991)

Chimurenga Masterpiece (Gramma, 1990)

Shumba (Earthworks/Virgin, 1990)

Chimurenga Singles, 1976-1980 (Shanachie, 1992)

Hondo (Gramma, 1992). Released under the Zimbob label in 1993.

Chimurenga International (Gramma, 1993). Released under the Zimbob label in 1993 with the title Vanhu Vatema.

Chimurenga Varieties (Gramma, 1995)

Sweet Chimurenga (Gramma, 1995)

Chimurenga Forever (EMI-Hemisphere/Blue Note, 1995)

Live at El Rey (Anonym Records ANONO405, 1999)

Chimurenga Explosion (Anonym Records ANONO743, 2000)

Dreams & Secrets, with Wadada Leo Smith, N'Da Kulture &The Blacks Unlimited (Anonym Records, 2000)

Chimurenga Rebel / Manhungetunge (aNONym reCOrds ANON0250, 2002)

Toi Toi (aNONym reCOrds ANON0303, 2003)

Spirits to Bite Our Ears: The Singles Collection 1977-1986 (Dbk Works, 2005)

Rise Up (Real World Records, 2006)

Linda Rowan
Midnight Productions Hawaii/International
Post Office Box 853
Haleiwa, HI 96712
808-637-3139
sauce@aloha.net

• Africa Calling, DVD review
• Live 8 At Eden - Africa Calling on DVD
• Africa Calling, World Music Artists in Support of Live 8
• Singing For Your Supper
• Toi Toi by Thomas Mapfumo & The Blacks Unlimited
• The Heights of Mapfumo, CD review