Musicking ubuntu/unhu Sustainability Human Rights and Social Justice Activism in the Chimurenga Music of Thomas Mapfumo

Abstract

During the Second Chimurenga – Zimbabwe Liberation War – music was used to promote social justice and fight the oppressive colonial system. The struggle for justice for all was driven by the spirit of ubuntu/unhu, which embraces the capacity of indigenous African cultures to express humanity, respect, solidarity, and justice relevant to building an inclusive community. Chimurenga music, performed and popularised by Thomas Mapfumo who coined the term in the 1960s, played an important role during the liberation struggle, delivering messages on socio-political concerns, and engaging Zimbabweans on the issues of human rights, corruption, democracy, resistance, and economic transformation. This article discusses the use of Mapfumo’s Chimurenga music in post-colonial Zimbabwe as socio-political discourse and a dialogue generator for sustainability