When I entered the tiny record shop in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, in early 1991, the sound system pumped out a catchy tune that tipped slightly towards disco. It was "Dhindindi Fulltime," the current hit by
Paul Matavire, backed by the
Jairos Jiri Band. Matavire was a blind performer who became very popular throughout the country during the late '80s because of his fine singing and pointed, and sometimes humorous, songs. He generated some controversy for personal behavior, in the process, including rape charges. Like many Zimbabwean musicians, Matavire died young, leaving a fine legacy of music behind. This album is an excellent sample of it, with diverse songs including one slow one for tight dancing. It also has the closing reggae-chimurenga rocker "Pamberi Navajiri," which was collected on the classic Zimbabwe compilation,
Take Cover!.
4 comments:
gracias por este tremendo album exelente musica muchisimas felicitaciones compadre ........
Thank you. Apurva from Pune, India.
greetings from bulawayo - here for three days on work - thanks for this share - no more record shops but have managed to track down a few LPs, including Jairos Jiri Band "JJB Style"- lovely concidence. I will plan to share it on Electirc Jive sometime - wish I could share a great pic of a blind couple dusking on 8th Street - Bulawayo's own Amadou et Mariam - best wishes - chris from electric jive
2020 and still enjoying the music.
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