The founding fathers of Zimpop are presented here in all of their original glory, with the added bonus of some much-needed remastering. While most of Zimbabwe was still singing Western pop covers with a bit of rhumba mixed in, the Hallelujah Chicken Run Band were changing the sound of the country. Under the guidance of guitarist Joshua Hlomayi Dube and singer Thomas Mapfumo (in his earliest years), the band was replacing pop songs with traditional ideas -- the guitar being given a staccato sound to mimic aspects of the mbira, and Mapfumo's vocals mimicking its sounds as well. At the same time, lyrics were at least occasionally made political and rebellious, and sung in Shona, a major issue given the political climate of Rhodesia at the time. Here, some of the best recordings from the band's run are presented, including a handful from a very early session with Teal Records that launched the band nationally. The work is always excellent, and the band has far more coherence and ability than one might expect from a ragtag group of performers, barkeeps, part-time farmers, and the like. This album is an excellent piece both for those interested in the development of Zimbabwe's sound and those who are simply fans of Mapfumo. Additionally, it's just a mighty good listen. ~ Adam Greenberg
Editor: Banning Eyre.
Hallelujah Chicken Run Band: Robert Nekati (vocals, bass instrument); Wilson Jubane, Abdulah Musa, Joshua Hlomayi Dube (guitar); Robson Boora (saxophone); Daram Karanga (trumpet); Patrick Kabanda (drums); Thomas Mapfumo.
Personnel: Thomas Mapfumo (vocals, drums).
Rolling Stone (p.94) - 3.5 stars out of 5 -- "[With] Zimbabwe rock's heady trademark electric guitar style: a breathless, loopy, dampened plucking that mimics traditional mbira thumb-piano melodies." Uncut (p.94) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "[A] joyful selection of hypnotic Afropop, laced with deliciously clunky horn arrangements and a compelling shuffle rhythm."
Hallelujah Chicken Run Band - Take One Album Track Listing
Trk
Song
1
Mudzimu Ndiringe
2
Kare Nanhasi
3
Ngoma Yarira
4
Manheru Changamire
5
Tamba Zimba Navashe
6
Mutoridodo
7
Mukadzi Wangu Ndomuda
8
Sekai
9
Gore Iro
10
Murembo
11
Mwana Wamai Dada Naye
12
Musawore Moyo
13
Alikulila
14
Ndopenga
15
Ngatiende Kumusha
16
Shumba Inobva Mu Gomo
17
Tinokumbira Kuziva
18
Chaminuka Mukuru
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