Thomas Mapfumo & The Blacks Unlimited, Kekele July 11, 2004

Thomas Mapfumo made revolutionary changes in Zimbabwes pop-music scene by recording his own original music. Before Mapfumo, traditional songs were always based on tunes that had been handed down for generations. Mapfumos music, chimurenga (music of struggle), became popular during the civil war, which made the government unhappy. In 1977 he was sent to a prison camp for subversion. To obtain his release, Mapfumo agreed to perform for the ruling party, but at the concert he sang only his most revolutionary songs.

In the 1960?s, Rumba Congolaise, with its subtle mix of Cuban rumba and African rhythms became the first music of the continent, reflecting the optimism of the newly independent states of Africa. Kékélé?s music is a mix of enchanting vocals, vivacious rhythms and spellbinding guitar based dance making their music totally uplifting.