John Ndlovu
Pro-government activists’ recent attacks on Gaffa President Winky D’s new album Eureka Eureka clearly shows that ZANU PF still believe in bullying musicians who mirror the socio-economic challenges faced by Zimbabweans. This was said by playwright and commentator Raisedon Baya in an interview with Zim GBC News.
“During the last years of the Rhodesian Regime, musicians such as Thomas Mapfumo and Oliver Mtukudzi were constantly detained and their music blacklisted from Rhodesian Broadcasting Corporation stations.”Said Raisedon Baya.
“The Post independence government and supporters of the ruling party continue to behave like rebel Rhodesia and its Rhodesian Front Party supporters. Attacks on Winky D in 2018 and this year clearly show that the white regime and the current government have similar views on freedom of speech.” Added Baya.
“Thomas Mapfumo lived in both eras and was victimized by both governments. His songs “Tumirai Vana Kuhondo” and “Butsu Mutandarika” attracted the wrath of the Rhodesian government. Post independence, his songs Chamunorwa, Jojo, Disaster and Mamvemve earned him a total ban on ZBC stations.” Baya also said.
Zim GBC News also spoke to another arts commentator Debra Shava who said that the ruling ZANU PF party is far from accepting freedom of speech.
“Zimbabwe has an extensive censorship infrastructure that operates formally, through the board of censors, and informally through intimidation by the police, the state and other civil players.” She said.
“In the 1980s writers Dambudzo Marichena, Chenjerai Hove and Cont Mhlanga had their books banned by the censorship board. Leornad Zhakata, an artist who addresses social issues affecting common people also had his music banned a few years ago. The State newspapers also demonized him for songs such as “Sakunatsa” and his album “Hodho”, another controversial song from Zhakata that was banned was “Ngoma yenharo. ” Debra Shava also said.
“The banning and the violent attacks of anti-government musicians affects us a lot as musicians, as we are seriously undermined thus always being on our toes due to fear of being on the wrong side or attacked and physically abused, remember the Kasong Kejecha days when Winky D was attacked on stage. Therefore, our government should grant us freedom of expression.” These are views of musician and blogger Trevor Mawaka of the Charlestone Trust Choir fame.
Recently, popular, Reggae-dancehall artist Winky D released an album called Eureka Eureka which attracted negative comments from PRO-ZANU PF activists.
A few years ago Winky D, real name Wallace Chirumiko was pelted by bottles by hooligans before he could perform his controversial song kasong kejecha. PRO-ZANU activists said the song had political undertones