Here's an interesting new review of Lion Songs in The Herald. This is a government-controllled newspaper in Zimbabwe, however Fred Zindi is a longstanding writer about Zimbabwean music, and he's given the book a thoughtful read. Click on this photo to see Fred's review.
Lion Songs on NPR's All Things Considered
Getting ready to hit the road with Lion Songs. So far, getting some significant love from radio.
Probably the biggest catch so far is this interview with Robert Siegel at NPR's All Things Considered, Robert told me that he covered Zimbabwe's liberation struggle from London in the early days of NPR, so he had a real feeling for the subject. He's more of a classical music guy, but Mapfumo's sound clearly touched him, especially the mbira-based songs, whose connection to Shona religion fascinated him.
The interview was, of course, longer than this, but the editing was very nicely done. Kudos to Greg Dixon on that. The only thing I miss was our discussion of how Lion Songs tries to understand the feelings and thinking of those who defend Robert Mugabe's controversial land policy. Robert pressed me on that, and we got a bit into the weeds--but interesting weeds. Well, another time. I can't complain. It's a fine piece.
And many more interviews to come...
Sahara TV Interview
Well the interviews for Lion Songs are rolling out. I recorded one with Robert Siegel for NPR's All Things Considered. If all goes to plan, it will air tomorrow (Friday, May 22).
Meanwhile, I did a nice interview for an African internet TV outfit out of New York, Sahara TV. I liked this interview well because the interviewer, Fungai Maboreke, is a Zimbabwean who brings personal experience to the subject, and he had read the book cover to cover. Nice conversation. Have a look...
First Lion Songs Radio Interview
Well, it happened a bit early in the morning. Still had a couple of frogs in my throat. But it was great to appear on Connecticut Public Radio (WNPR)'s morning talk show, Where We Live. Have a listen!
Launch Day
Well, the book has arrived. I'm back from the high seas. The West Coast promotion swing is coming together. All good on my end.
As for my man Thomas Mapfumo, not so rosy. His much anticipated tour in South Africa had to be postponed due to the xenophobic violence against African immigrants going on there. It seems Europe and America don't have a lock on this sort of ugliness. The promotors apparently didn't think it a great idea to attract a large gathering of Zimbabweans under these conditions. The word is the tour will be rescheduled for September. Stay tuned.
Meanwhile, Thomas and the band are working locally to promote their long awaited new album Danger Zone. Here's a recently posted video of the core Blacks Unlimited playing the opening tune "Chikozero" in a studio in Eugene, Oregon.
Welcome!
Welcome to the new banningeyre.com. We’ve revamped the site in honor of the release of my long-gestating book on Thomas Mapfumo and Zimbabwe, Lion Songs: Thomas Mapfumo and the Music that Made Zimbabwe. Officially, the book drops on May 22. But I will have copies on hand by May 1. The companion CD, 14 killer Mapfumo tracks, and 9 spicy interview excerpts, will also be available then. This CD is the one place you can experience the entire sweep of Mapfumo’s work on a single disc. And the book…well, we’ll see what the reviewers say, but I think it’s one of a kind. Never before has the story of an African musician and his work been so fully interwoven with history in a biography.
In the windup to the big release, I’ve been on a ship in the Atlantic, lecturing and arranging concerts for some adventurous seafaring travelers. Not the ideal place to be in advance of a book launch, but the gig was too good to pass up.
Just the same, events are coming together as you can see in the Events listing on this site. I’ve got a terrific multi-media presentation to go with Lion Songs, including a demo of mbira guitar, and of other Mapfumo-related guitar playing, maybe even a little singing. I’m on the “chimurenga” mission over the next few months, so come to one of my events if you can. And let me know if you have ideas for events I can do in your town. My band Timbila is available for larger events, and I’m always happy to collaborate with others.
Also, you may be able to find my books and CDs for lower prices elsewhere, but if you order from this site, all books come signed, and you will earn the author's undying gratitude!