Zimbabwe       Thomas Mapfumo     Artist Name: Thomas Mapfumo Genre: Chimurenga, Jit, Mbira, African Pop Country: Zimbabwe Long ago, he sang the soundtrack to the Zimbabwean revolution. Now, he is the fiercest thorn in the revolutionary leader's side. A musical genius and a man of the people, Thomas Mapfumo towers in the world of African band leaders. Born in 1945 in Marondera, Mapfumo moved to Mbare, the poorest township of Salisbury, at the age of ten. Mbare was a center of black protest against the Rhodesian regime, and a scene of random police actions designed to intimidate potential rebels. In Mbare, Mapfumo heard radio for the first time and was wowed by African jazz from Johannesburg and Bulawayo, classic big band Rumba from the Congo, and especially, American R&B and soul.    Mapfumo continues to record incendiary music, to have it banned, and until recently, to return to and play for his loyal fans, risking arrest and harassment each time. In 2005, Thomas concluded it was no longer safe to go to Zimbabwe. But although in exile, he remains engaged, and passionately creative. – Banning Eyre, Courtesy Afropop Worldwide: www.afropop.org     Thomas Mapfumo Album:  The Long Walk Released 2007 Total:  6 songs Listen to this Album Now!   Thomas Mapfumo Album: Zimbabwe Mozambique Released 2006 Total:  5 songs Listen to this Album Now!     Thomas Mapfumo Album:  Rise Up Released 2005 Total:  11 songs Listen to this Album Now!   Thomas Mapfumo Album: The Singles Collection Released 2005 Total:  17 songs Listen to this Album Now!     Thomas Mapfumo Album:  Sweet Chimurenga Released 2004 Total:  10 songs Listen to this Album Now!   Thomas Mapfumo Album:  Roots Chimurenga Released 2004 Total:  8 songs Listen to this Album Now!     Thomas Mapfumo Album:  Mr. Music Released 1984 Total:  5 songs Listen to this Album Now!