Soweto

Robson Banda started his career as a member of Thomas Mapfumo’s first group Acid Band. In Zimbabwe the chimurenga music style developed during the War of Liberation (1964-1979) and was popularised in the 1970s by Mapfumo. With mbira (traditional thumb piano) riffs transposed to electric guitar, it is one of the most potent musical styles from Southern Africa.

Banda also played in Jonah Moyo’s group Devera Ngwena Jazz Band prior to forming his own group. With the New Black Eagles in the 80s, Robson Banda fused the earthy chimurenga sound with the more bubbly, upbeat sound of jit music. This fusion of the two styles is perfectly realised on this reissued LP, which includes the marvellously catchy track ‘Masvingo Netara’, one of three Robson Banda tracks featured on the second volume of the groundbreaking Earthworks compilations Zimbabwe Frontline. Exceptionally clean guitar work with uplifting melodies throughout the album is reminiscent of the great work of the Bhundu Boys and Four Brothers as well as Mapfumo. The title-track shows solidarity with those struggling under apartheid in neighbouring South Africa.