Zimbabwe Frontline Compilations

Released: 1989
Label:  Earthworks - CDEWV9
Format:  LP, CD
Running Time:  42 minutes, 9 tracks.
Stocked by: out of print but still listed by Barnes & Noble, Amazon. LP available form Natari.

First release in a series of three from African music specialists Earthworks. Balances the more traditional music of Mapfumo, Mtukudzi, and Banda against Devera Ngwena's rhumbira, The Four Brothers' jit and the South African-inspired sounds of the Green Arrows. Three releases seem to exist and contain different tracks. (Audio samples are in downloadable mp3 and RealAudio format.)

Zimbabwe Frontline - Volume Two:  Spirit of the Eagle

Released:  1990
Label:  Earthworks - CDEMV18
Format:  CD
Running Time:  52 minutes, 9 tracks.
Stocked by:  Amazon, Africassette, Dandemutande, Natari. Available used from eBay.

More masterful Zimbabwean guitar on the second release of this Earthworks series. The increased number of Banda tracks makes Spirit of the Eagle the most "Mapfumian" of the three discs. Head and shoulders above most compilations this is an excellent collection, but, in my opinion, the weakest link of the three. (Audio samples available here.)

Zimbabwe Frontline - Volume Three:  Roots Rock Guitar Party

Released:  1999
Label: Earthworks – STEW40CD
Format:  CD
Running Time:  78 minutes, 12 tracks.
Stocked by:  Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Dandemutande, Stern's, Natari

Roots Rock Guitar Party is the third coompilation in Earthwork’s Zimbabwe Frontline series.  Another guitar-feast, it focuses on hits between 1996-1998, with the exception of Paul Mpofu’s 1980’s classic Mukoma Wangu.  Notable artists include John Chibadura, The Four Brothers,  Zimbabwe Cha Cha Kings.  The least traditional of the series, it does include the mbira-based Knowledge Kunenyati and Max Mapfumo (no relation to Thomas).  Widely available and highly recommended. A fantastic album and the best of the three.