Thomas Mapfumo & The Blacks Unlimited to Perform at Skirball Sunset Concerts

Widely revered in his homeland as the "Lion of Zimbabwe," Thomas Mapfumo brings his uplifting and upbeat protest music known as Chimurenga (Shona for "struggle") to the Skirball Cultural Center on Thursday, August 18, at 8:00PM, as part of its fifteenth annual free summer world music series, Sunset Concerts. Blending traditional Shona mbira (thumb piano) with modern instruments and lyrics that decry social injustice and political oppression, Thomas Mapfumo and The Blacks Unlimited deliver a live show that celebrates the human spirit and the universal need for freedom.

Thomas Mapfumo's music developed as he witnessed and participated in the volatile history of his native Zimbabwe. From the bloody years of the country's liberation war in the ‘70s, through the present economic and political crises, Mapfumo used his revolutionary, spiritually charged music to challenge injustice and highlight the historical and cultural issues of his country.

Perceived as critical of the government, Mapfumo songs were banned from state-controlled airwaves. Feeling pressure on many sides, in 2000, he was forced to move his family to the United States. Despite growing risks, Mapfumo continued to return to Zimbabwe to play traditional year-end concerts, until it was no longer safe. He has been unable to return to Zimbabwe since 2004.

The June, 2011 release of Exile, Mapfumo's first album in over five years marks a turning point in his vast catalogue of recordings. From its anthem-like love song to his longing fans in Zimbabwe ("Ndangariro") to the bitter critique of Zimbabwe's 2009 government of national unity ("Vagere Kunaka") to the soulful, English-language celebration of "Universal Love," the album is among Mapfumo's richest ever. It taps the majestic, spiritual well of mbira music with two powerful adaptations of traditional songs, and revisits the scintillating guitar-combo sound of the Blacks Unlimited's early years on the irresistibly giddy "Mwana Wemurombo (Children of the Poor)."

Released on the South African Sheer Sound label, Exile comes as a much-needed relief to Mapfumo's fans in Zimbabwe. But as fate would have it, it is Angelenos who now have the opportunity to hear the songs performed on stage. Returning to the small band dynamic of his early days, Mapfumo combines his cadre of veteran Zimbabwean musicians with capable players he has recruited during his years in exile, to bring his signature chimurenga sound to the Skirball's festive outdoor courtyard.

The Skirball Cultural Center's Sunset Concerts, curated by Skirball Music Director Yatrika Shah-Rais, offers community concerts free of charge representing music from around the globe. The 2011 series opened on July 21 with Maria de Barros and continued with the West Coast premiere of Red Baraat (July 28). Today, the series continue with Yemen Blues (August 4), then welcomes Nuriya (August 11), Thomas Mapfumo and The Blacks Unlimited (August 18), and Mr. Vallenato (August 25).

Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 440-4500 ⋅ www.skirball.org

WHEN:
Thursday, August 18, 2011
8:00 PM - Concert
7:00 PM - Doors

TICKETS:
FREE CONCERT AND MUSEUM ADMISSION; no reservations
Limited seating on a first-come, first-served basis
On-site parking: $10 per car (cash only). Street parking is strictly prohibited.
Carpooling is encouraged or take Metro Rapid 761.

 

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