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Thomas Mapfumo

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Thomas Mapfumo, holding a copy of a July 1984 edition of a magazine featuring his cover story. After 18 years in self-imposed exile, one of Zimbabwe's most popular and outspoken musicians, has returned home. Jekesai Njikizana/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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Jekesai Njikizana/AFP/Getty Images

The Record

Thomas Mapfumo, 'Lion Of Zimbabwe,' Returns From Exile With Triumphant Homecoming

May 7, 2018 • Mapfumo performed a homecoming show in the country last month, after spending over a decade-and-a-half in self-imposed exile.

Thomas Mapfumo, 'Lion Of Zimbabwe,' Returns From Exile With Triumphant Homecoming

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Thomas Mapfumo, Zimbabwe's Cultural Advocate In Exile

Thomas Mapfumo performs on stage during Live 8, Africa Calling, in 2005. Matt Cardy/Getty Images hide caption

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Music

Thomas Mapfumo, Zimbabwe's Cultural Advocate In Exile

May 28, 2015 • Mapfumo's powerful political messages led the superstar to seek asylum in the U.S. Critic Banning Eyre has written a new biography of the singer and bandleader.

Thomas Mapfumo, Zimbabwe's Cultural Advocate In Exile

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Musicians Who Paid The Price Before Pussy Riot

Thomas Mapfumo wrote one of the most famous revolutionary songs, "Hokoyo." Courtesy of the artist hide caption

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The Record

Musicians Who Paid The Price Before Pussy Riot

August 17, 2012 • This isn't the first time singing anti-establishment songs has had consequences.

Musicians Who Paid The Price Before Pussy Riot

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It's Time To Party: Summer Songs

African Dance Party: Celebrating A Continent

July 23, 2009 • These five songs will work within any summer party mix. All come from the now-vintage repertoire of Afropop legends, and all have stood the test of time and animated countless festive occasions around the world. They're presented here in sequence to match the phases of a good party, from greeting and eating to drinking and dancing.

Favorite Sessions

Thomas Mapfumo: Lion Of Zimbabwe, In Exile

KEXP

June 9, 2009 • Mapfumo is a cultural and political hero in his native Zimbabwe. He created his chimurenga music during the struggle for liberation from the white minority government in the 1970s. Exiled to Oregon in the late '90s, Mapfumo continues to make music rooted in the Shona tradition.

Hear And Download The Full Thomas Mapfumo Session

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Two Different Musical Takes on Politics in Zimbabwe

July 12, 2005 • African musicians Thomas Mapfumo and Oliver Mtukudzi have dealt with Zimbabwe's political upheaval in far different ways. They explore their differing views on two new CDs. Banning Eyre has a review of both.

Two Different Musical Takes on Politics in Zimbabwe

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