President popularises Born Free Crew’s song

EVER heard President Mugabe singing? If you haven't, then you should listen to a new song, "Toita Sei?" in which the President - in probably his first recorded song - features. This has captivated many people who use public transport and other social spheres where the song has become popular.

The single is taken off a new album titled "Nhaka Yedu/Our Heritage" by The Born Free Crew, who first caused a stir with their debut offering "Get Connected" last year. The song is a danceable traditional (Jiti) gem, whose vibrant beat is enhanced by President Mugabe's powerful voice. President Mugabe uses the beat to good use as he narrates the sad story of how the country was colonised by the British and how Zimbabweans and Africans in the then Rhodesia were cowed into submission and made to believe that the colonisers were untouchable gods.

The President opens with a narration of how tough life was in Rhodesia. "Mazuva iwayo vaizvarwa vaifunga kuti nyika inoiyi ndeye maBritish. Vamwe vakatotambira vakati ha hee chido chaMwari kuti maBritish atitonge . . . (In those days youths were of the mistaken belief that this country belonged to the British). Some even believed that they were under British colonial rule because of God's will," says His Excellency in the song.

The President then starts singing: "Toita sei nenyika yeRhodesia?/Toita Sei nenyika yeRhodesia? "Vazezuru vaida kutonga nyika, vaManyika vaida kutonga nyika, maNdebele aida kutonga nyika." It is a song that educates people, especially youths, about the ugly side of colonialism that saw many people losing their lives as a result of atrocities committed by the colonisers. The song warns Zimbabweans against giving room to imperialism and neo-colonialism.

What a better way of having such words of wisdom being conveyed to the nation through music by the Head of State, who led from the front in the fight for freedom and independence of Zimbabwe. "Toita sei?" is already causing a stir on the airwaves. Born Free Crew's first project featured hit songs like "Network", "Zviri Zviri Sei", "Diaspora" and Tshay'zandla (Rovai Maoko)" among others. Recorded at Umsindo Records with Media, Information and Publicity Minister Webster Shamu as the executive producer, "Nhaka Yedu/Our Heritage" also comes with an accompanying DVD. (Herald)