Search - Thomas Mapfumo :: Chimurenga Rebel and Manhungetunge

Mucho Mapfumo!

Tim Weber | Iowa | 09/10/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Two new (at least to American ears) Thomas Mapfumo albums in one fell swoop? Bliss! "Manhungetunge" from 2000 and "Chimurenga Rebel" from 2001, already released in Zimbabwe, get the double disc treatment from cool aNOnym reCOrds in 2002. "Manhungetunge" consists of four unreleased tracks from the "Chimurenga Explosion" sessions (excellent also, that) and five new cuts recorded in 2000; all songs by this Zimbabwean master were recorded in Eugene, Ore., which is becoming Mapfumo's home away from home. "Chimurenga Rebel", a new album unto itself, also was recorded in Eugene. "Manhungetunge" features a number of different players, including five different guitarists; sadly, tragedy has taken its toll on the Blacks Unlimited. With its leftover tracks from a previous album and shuffled lineup, "Manhungetunge" might seem like a hodge-podge. Nothing could be further from the truth. It is, in fact, one of the very best albums of Mapfumo's entire lengthy career. Make no mistake. Gorgeous guitar is all over the place, and Mapfumo's approach is varied and riveting. The one English language song, the leadoff "Big in America" is in fact one of the weakest tracks on the first disc. From there, "Ndini Ndega" is stunning, 8:36 of otherworldly guitar and absolute beauty. Mapfumo at his best. "Magobo" and "Mangoma", both topping seven minutes, also stand out. Faster paced and more guitar-heavy than 2000's "Chimurenga Explosion," "Manhungetunge," still with the lovely plinking music box-like mbiras prominent, is absolutely top-notch Mapfumo. The other disc here, "Chimurenga Rebel", is less stellar, but still fine. Again, Mapfumo is varying the palette but staying true to his art. Oddly, the sound on this disc is slightly worse than the first disc; the bass is mixed a little too high for my taste and the guitar mixed too low. Oh, well. These 10 shorter songs (mostly four to six minutes as opposed to "Manhungetunge's" six to eight) still mostly hit the spot. All in all, then, five stars for "Manhungetunge", four for "Chimurenga Rebel", and rounded up to five overall. One problem is the poor design of the CD pack. The discs fit poorly in their sleeves and jump out all over the place. aNOnym reCOrds tells me this early-run flaw is being corrected, but just thought I'd warn you."