The Toronto return of 'The Lion Of Zimbabwe'

NEW YORK (Bamboo Cabana announcement) - Thomas Mapfumo is one of the most significant African performers of the last twenty years. His innovative music, his forceful political stance and social activism have made him a cultural hero and the voice of his people. Mapfumo and his band, Blacks Unlimited, call their music Chimurenga, Shona for 'struggle'.
Born out of the collapse of Rhodesia and the creation of the nation of Zimbabwe, the music played an inspirational role in the liberation movement and brought Mapfumo his share of trouble. He was arrested in 1979 and spent three months in prison before the government allowed him to go.

In 1980, he shared a stage with Bob Marley in Harare, linking the two artists whose message resonated with Africans. Two tracks on the record Chimurenga Explosion were banned by the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation. This gave Mapfumo the unique distinction of being banned by both the colonial regime and the government that replaced it, twenty years later.
The sound itself is propelled by the hypnotic, interlocking rhythms of the mbira, the African thumb piano, with guitars, bass, horns, voices and drums. The effect is simultaneously spirited, atmospheric and emotionally moving.
DJ medicineman (No Man's Land, CIUT) will dig into his bin of Afro-soul sounds to establish the night's groove at 9:00PM sharp!

THE BAMBOO CABANA, located at 245 Queen's Quay West, is a lounge-nightclub and restaurant serving Caribbean, Latin and Thai flavours. The Cabana Club features Toronto's hottest live performances, entertainment and special events.