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 As defence on the airing of revolutionary music by the Mbare Chimurenga choir on the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation radio and television stations intensifies, various sectors of society say those who are against the playing of the songs cannot erase the memory of the liberation struggle from this country’s history and the role played by ZANU PF in that heroic and successful resistance to colonialism.
With the Heroes Day commemorations just around the corner, the airwaves have reverberated to some high energy Chimurenga beats and nifty kongonya dances, evoking memories of the liberation struggle for those involved in the war.
But the Chimurenga songs that are being played on both radio and television have unsettled some people who according to political analyst, Professor Jonathan Moyo, do not share the history of the liberation struggle.
The music which chronicles the liberation struggle and the role played by President Robert Mugabe as a principled leader of the courageous and heroic struggle has been solidly defended by members of the Mbare Chimurenga choir who say they will sing these revolutionary songs as long as they still breathe.
“We will continue to sing these songs because they are part of our history and the history of the struggle,” said one of the members.
War veterans, Cde Chinx Chingaira and Cde Max Mapfumo who are both musicians defended the revolutionary songs saying they educate the masses on the war of liberation and should always be played so that all the generations understand the history of this country.
“The essence of the music is to educate and inform the masses about the values of the struggle’.
‘We can not have a party without a history stopping us from singing music which reminds us of who we are and where we came from,” said Cde Chinx.
The Affirmative Action Group (AAG) has also added its voice to the defence of the songs with the Executive Director, Dr Davison Gomo saying Heroes Day which is around the corner is a national holiday and for some to question Chimurenga music a few days before such comemorations demonstrates sheer lack of patriotism.
Reports say that MDC-T is against the airing of these Chimurenga songs arguing they undermine the spirit of the inclusive government.
According to observers, the MDC-T is hurt by these songs because they chronicle a history of this country they are not part of, hence they feel left out.
Observers are now raising concern over the questioning of the national broadcaster in discharging its mandate.
Should cabinet be involved in the day to day running of the institution?
Are revolutionary songs not part of the history of Zimbabwe and why should anyone be unsettled by the songs?
In view of public demand for the songs, should the national broadcaster not listen to the voice of its viewers and listeners?
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