Pirate CD, selling for 25 cents on Harare streets
Day 2. Another fine rehearsal. A ZBC interview in which Thomas told the youth of Zimbabwe that they should think hard about who they vote for and not vote for anyone unless they're convinced that person will work to make the country better. He also dodged a question about the rumor that he and Olliver Mtukudzi had recorded a song together. The question was, "Will you perform the song?" And the answer was no. Of necessity, since there is no such song, rumors aside.
That message about voting is the subject of a new song, not yet finished. But somehow an unfinished version got to a pirate, who made this CD, leading with the new song and picking songs from other CDs. Sarudzo is not the real name of the song, but it means "voting" so it kind of works. The item is selling cheap on Harare streets, and Thomas and company are quite steamed about it. The CD even has a copyright notice.. Cheeky.
Mbira tuning in the kitchen
There is such excitement about this show. People are definitely feeling it. Thomas invited myself and the filmmaker Simon Bright to a party his family threw for him at a nice rented house in Borrowdale. Great sadza! And a huge crowd of 3 generations (at least) of Mapfumos and Munhumumwes from Zim, UK, USA. Very moving. And the photo session at the end was epic.
To tired for more tonight. But tomorrow's the big day. More coming...
