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This simple discography could not have been possible without the use of many sources. Two fantastic discographies can be found at fbeat and Hirao. Both of these sources were instrumental in the compilation of this page (both content and images). Also helpful was the discography compiled by Manny Rettinger, available at Anonymousweb. These sources provide more comprehensive listings and should be perused for more information. My intention with this discography was not to simply copy their work, but to list his major albums and compilation CDs in order to access music samples (eventually.)
Vanhu Vatema/Chimurenga Int'l  |
Zimbob | 1993 | |||
| Toi Toi | Anonymous | 2003 | Hondo |
Zimbob | 1991 |
| Chimurenga Rebel/Manhungetunge
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Anonymous | 2002 | Chimurenga Masterpiece |
Gramma | 1990 |
| Dreams and Secrets | Anonymous | 2000 | Chamunorwha |
Island | 1989 |
| Chimurenga Explosion |
Anonymous | 2000 | Corruption |
Island | 1989 |
| Chimurenga '98 |
Anonymous | 1998 | Zimbabwe-Mozambique |
Gramma | 1988 |
| Chimurenga Movement |
Gramma | 1997 | Chimurenga For Justice | Rough Trade | 1986 |
| Chimurenga: African Spirit Music
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Real World | 1997 | Mr. Music: Africa |
Earthworks | 1985 |
| Roots Chimurenga |
Gramma | 1996 | Mabasa |
Earthworks | 1983 |
| Afro-Chimurenga | Gramma | 1996 | Ndangariro |
Earthworks | 1983 |
| Sweet Chimurenga | Gramma | 1995 | Gwindingwi Rine Shumba |
Gramma | 1980 |
| Chimurenga Varieties | Gramma | 1994 | Hokoyo! |
Gramma | 1976 |
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Mapfumo's first full length album, Hokoyo! was released at the height of the Rhodesian War in the 1970s. Hokoyo! is the only LP to feature the Acid Band.
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Gwindingwi Rine Shumba features some of Mapfumo's most loved songs and is considered one of the classic chimurenga albums.
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Ndangariro contains a roots-chimurenga sound and is another top Mapfumo release. Unfortunately, it is rarely sene for sale and is subject of a rights-ownership dispute.
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A rarer album, Mabasa was one of his first foreign releases.
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Fast guitars and horns are a deviation from Mapfumo's normal roots feel on one of my favourite Mukanya albums. What Juanita lacks in lyrical content, the song makes up in groove and feel.
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Mapfumo garnered more exposure with his third European release. I have never seen it for sale anywhere.
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Serevende and Joyce are songs you can't miss on another consistent outing by Mapfumo.
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Hailed by some as the next "third world" superstar, Mapfumo couldn't have chosen a better time to make his major label debut. Island Records released Corruption amidst government spending scandals in Zimbabwe. The album caused a furore within the government, and set Mapfumo on the path of conflict with the Mugabe administration which he continues today.
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Chamunorwha: What are we fighting for?
Another solid Mapfumo album comprising of some old tracks and new compositions. Chamurnowha was rated as one of the top 20 African albums by Cafe International.
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Mapfumo's first album since leaving Island, Chimurenga Masterpiece features five original songs..
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Zimbob records was founded in Illinois to specifically promote Thomas' music. Hondo is their first release. The album includes Mukondombera, a song about the AIDS crisis in Zimbabwe.
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Vanhu Vatema / Chimurenga International
Hanzvadzi, Dande and Ndozvamaida are personal favourites.
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A rarer album released primarily in Zimbabwe. Note the MC Hammer-style jacket Mapfumo is wearing. So nineties...
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Check out Chikende.
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Another mid-90s Mapfumo effort.
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Chimurenga: African Spirit Music
African Spirit Music was released internationally by Real World Records. It contains many songs from his previous album, Roots Chimurenga.
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Chimurenga Movement contians to bonus tracks, Toi Toi and Fire-Fire, on its CD release.
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Chimurenga '98 is Mapfumo's first release on his current label Anonymous Records. Shumba Dzenhabvu is Mapfumo's "soccer song" and has appeared on many sport-themed compilations.
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A strong album, Chimurenga Explosion had songs banned from the airwaves in Zimbabwe when President Mugabe took offence to Mapfumo's government-critical lyrics. Disaster is a great song.
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Chimurenga Rebel-Manhungetunge
A double-album release from Anonymous Records. Once again, tracks were banned from the Zimbabwean Broadcasting Corporation's airwaves for critisizing the government.
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A creative combination of Mapfumo and fellow label-mate Wadada Leo Smith & N'Da Kulture. The album features a mix of chimurenga and some psychaedelic-sounding RnB. I'm not sure I'm a fan, but its defintiely different and an interesting listen.
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Mapfumo's latest album has, once again, been banned in Zimbabwe due to government criticism within its songs.
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