Black September et al: Chimurenga songs as historical narratives in the Zimbabwean Liberation war*

Abstract

This article presents and analyses songs that were created and performed in guerrilla camps in Mozambique during the Zimbabwean liberation war. The article explores the links between music, ideology and popular culture to facilitate analysis of these songs. The article argues that the songs composed and performed were an integral part of the liberation war and remain key narratives of that struggle. These songs were part of the struggle for a new political, cultural and social identity. Selected songs are analysed and discussed in some detail, and bring out certain aspects of the war such as humour and sexual innuendo, treachery and weaponry. The discussion acknowledges its shortcomings in presenting material from only one liberation army — the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army (ZANLA). Studies remain to be done for the Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA)