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Ms Jenje–Makwenda grew up in Mbare, considered one of the country’s oldest townships and home to the Mai Musodzi, a popular venue that’s believed to be responsible for launching the careers of stars like Dorothy Masuka, Simangaliso Tutani and Jonah Marumahoko. Another important locale was Bulawayo’s Makokoba township. It is the birthplace of groups like the City Quads, The Merry Makers and De Black Evening Follies. It also home to The Cool Crooners. The band is something of a local music legend, particularly as the Crooners still perform – both in Zimbabwe and internationally. Their touring follows the 2001 release, in France, of their successful debut CD titled “Blue Sky”. Zimbabweans of all ages, and from all walks of life, enjoy seeing these so-called “young-old guys” perform, particularly when they sing their popular song “Bulugwe Lami”. They are only one of the bands featured in the book. Edited by the illustrious Mbare-born Gibson Mandishona, the volume covers the period 1930 to 2004. Another Mbare-born prominent figure, Dr Herbert M Murerwa, who’s also the current minister of finance, wrote the foreword. He labels Ms Jenje-Makwenda’s work “a challenge for today's youth” as it dares readers to “expand and develop their understanding of Zimbabwe's musical legacy". Dr Murerwa further writes that the volume is an excellent source-book and, in his words, “essential reading for enthusiasts of Zimbabwe Town Ship Music." According to Ms Jenje-Makwenda, local township music was born as result of a number of foreign (or international) influences, including South African-born Mirriam Makeba, also known as “mama Africa”.Another important, international influence is musician August Musarurwa. The author says his song, Skokiaan, has been widely re-recorded by performers in South Africa, America, Jamaica and Germany. While the author admits that she grew up listening to rock, her father loved jazz and blues. Although Joyce says she remembers not understanding the music, she also recalls her father playing it more, resulting in her developing an appreciation for the genres. Part of her father’s teaching technique involved his giving Joyce the address of local musicians, who she’d then look up and chat with, collecting information. So Ms Jenje-Makwenda continued researchin and documenting the history, and transitions, of township music. News of her work spread via the grapevine, resulting in her being invited to lecture at colleges and universities. The author currently lectures at the Zimbabwe College of Music, where she’s been teaching for the past 15 years. But despite all her research Ms Jenje-Makwenda says she, too, needs to be stimulated and challenged. She adds that one particular interviewee encouraged to alter her own way of looking at music. She says Sam Matambo, a one-time member of the group “City Quads”, led her to expand her view. The author highlights, amongst other things, a 1961 visit to Zimbabwe by vocalist and jazz legend Louis Armstrong. “Old Sachmo”, as he’s often referred to, traveled to the country as part of a cultural exchange program organized by the United States Information Service (USIS). The book also profiles current jazz musicians, including Victor Kunonga and the popular “Jazz Invitation”, which is led by Prudence Katomeni Mbofana. The clear text is complemented by colourful and carefully chosen photographs. For more information on the book and video: Zimbabwe Township Music visit Joyce's website http://www.zimtownshipmusic.co.zw/ |
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