![Various Artists – Roots Rocking Zimbabwe: The Modern Sound of Harare' Townships 1975-1980 [2xLP IMPORT] – New LP](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0635/1427/files/a2916682356_16.jpg?v=1751152840)
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Various Artists – Roots Rocking Zimbabwe: The Modern Sound of Harare' Townships 1975-1980 [2xLP IMPORT] – New LPGatefold. 2xLP. Roots Rocking Zimbabwe The Modern Sound of Harare' Townships 1975 1980 (Analog Africa No. 41) by Analog Africa< a> The 25 songs presented in "Roots Rocking Zimbabwe" showcase the birth of the modern music industry in Zimbabwe and the explosion of creativity bands of the 1970s and 80s endlessly
Gatefold. 2xLP.
The 25 songs presented in "Roots Rocking Zimbabwe" showcase the birth of the modern music industry in Zimbabwe and the explosion of creativity bands of the 1970s and 80s endlessly delivered. It was a time of wild experimentation before established genres had crystallised. Rock, rumba, soul and traditional grooves all collide beautifully in this collection, which also includes never-before-released tracks by Thomas Mapfumo, Oliver Mtukudzi and many other Zimbabwean artists!
In 1972 Black people rarely featured in the country's white-owned official newspapers, unless, perhaps, they were a dead "terrorist". However, Dr Footswitch's performance prompted The Rhodesia Herald to print the picture of their guitar player, Manu Kambani, on the front page along with the screaming sentence "Jimi Hendrix is dead but Manu is alive". With his ability to mimic the mesmerising antics of Jimi Hendrix, Manu had impressed everybody and the editor of the paper couldn't resist printing the story. Heavy criticism from conservative whites followed, accusing the Herald of "lowering the standards." But the coverage turned Manu into an emblematic figure in Harare, one of Salisbury's oldest townships, and would influence many youngsters to form their own musical groups. Those bands began fusing Rock music, Congolese Rumba, South African Mbaqanga, soul and traditional beats into an underground music movement that would shape the future of Zimbabwean sound and challenge the colonial establishment.
All the commotion started drawing interest from South Africa's industry players and a good number of Rhodesian bands – including The Great Sounds, MD Rhythm Success, Afrique 73, The Hitch-Hikers, The Impossibles and the O.K Success – had managed to get one-off recording deals with Gallo Record on the strength of their live performances. But for some reason the South African giant didn't totally capitalise on the momentum and that vacuum was filled in 1974 by the Teal Record Company who had decided to beef up their Rhodesian subsidiary. Crispen Matema, a prolific drummer with a love for traditional music, was hired to oversee the program. Driving across the country in his Peugeot 504, Matema scouted undiscovered talent, organised live music contests, and booked a small studio in downtown Salisbury. Within a year, he had recorded fantastic bands such The Baked Beans, Blacks Unlimited, New Tutenkhamen, The Acid Band, Echoes Ltd, Gypsy Caravan and many others. To release this flood of music, Teal launched several new imprints, including Afro Soul, Afro Pop, and Shungu.
Not to be outdone, Gallo Records finally sent the legendary sax jive producer West Nkosi to Rhodesia to scout for emerging talent. A chance recommendation led him to the Jamaica Inn Hotel, where he encountered The Green Arrows led by the carismatic Zexie Manatsa. By Christmas 1974, their single 'Chipo Chiroorwa' had sold over 25,000 copies, making them the first Rhodesian band to earn a gold disc. In November 1975 Nkosi arranged for another session for The Green Arrows at the Film Project Studios to record the fuzz-drenched 'Towering Inferno', a tribute to Paul Newman and the crystalline guitar instrumental 'No Delay', a homage to Steve McQueen. In 1976 the liberation war is raging when Teal began immortalising Thomas Mapfumo on 1/4 inch tape. Thomas had just joined forces with the Black Unlimited and The Acid Band and had started modernising traditional songs to great effect. That revolutionary style deeply rooted in Shona culture known as Chimurenga unified all generations under the banner of the liberation struggle.
Zexie Manatsa and Thomas Mapfumo massive popularity attracted the attention of the PATU (Police Anti-Terrorist Unit) who didn't like the massive crowds these artists were attracting. As a result Both Manatsa and Mapfumo were arrested and imprisoned.
Despite the arrests and the increasing scrutiny from the Rhodesian authorities, the music refused to be silenced. If anything, the repression only strengthened the resolve of Zimbabwean artists such as the enigmatic Tineyi Chikupo, who continued to compose songs that carried the hopes and struggles of the people. By the time Zimbabwe gained independence in 1980, the musicians who had risked everything to give their people a voice emerged as national heroes. The 25 songs presented in this project showcase the birth of the modern music industry in Zimbabwe and the explosion of creativity bands of the 1970s and 80s delivered is endlessly rewarding. It was a time of wild experimentation before established genres had crystallised. Rock, rumba, soul and traditional grooves all collide beautifully in this collection, which also includes never-before-released tracks by Thomas Mapfumo, Oliver Mtukudzi and many other Zimbabwean artists!
All the commotion started drawing interest from South Africa's industry players and a good number of Rhodesian bands – including The Great Sounds, MD Rhythm Success, Afrique 73, The Hitch-Hikers, The Impossibles and the O.K Success – had managed to get one-off recording deals with Gallo Record on the strength of their live performances. But for some reason the South African giant didn't totally capitalise on the momentum and that vacuum was filled in 1974 by the Teal Record Company who had decided to beef up their Rhodesian subsidiary. Crispen Matema, a prolific drummer with a love for traditional music, was hired to oversee the program. Driving across the country in his Peugeot 504, Matema scouted undiscovered talent, organised live music contests, and booked a small studio in downtown Salisbury. Within a year, he had recorded fantastic bands such The Baked Beans, Blacks Unlimited, New Tutenkhamen, The Acid Band, Echoes Ltd, Gypsy Caravan and many others. To release this flood of music, Teal launched several new imprints, including Afro Soul, Afro Pop, and Shungu.
Not to be outdone, Gallo Records finally sent the legendary sax jive producer West Nkosi to Rhodesia to scout for emerging talent. A chance recommendation led him to the Jamaica Inn Hotel, where he encountered The Green Arrows led by the carismatic Zexie Manatsa. By Christmas 1974, their single 'Chipo Chiroorwa' had sold over 25,000 copies, making them the first Rhodesian band to earn a gold disc. In November 1975 Nkosi arranged for another session for The Green Arrows at the Film Project Studios to record the fuzz-drenched 'Towering Inferno', a tribute to Paul Newman and the crystalline guitar instrumental 'No Delay', a homage to Steve McQueen. In 1976 the liberation war is raging when Teal began immortalising Thomas Mapfumo on 1/4 inch tape. Thomas had just joined forces with the Black Unlimited and The Acid Band and had started modernising traditional songs to great effect. That revolutionary style deeply rooted in Shona culture known as Chimurenga unified all generations under the banner of the liberation struggle.
Zexie Manatsa and Thomas Mapfumo massive popularity attracted the attention of the PATU (Police Anti-Terrorist Unit) who didn't like the massive crowds these artists were attracting. As a result Both Manatsa and Mapfumo were arrested and imprisoned.
Despite the arrests and the increasing scrutiny from the Rhodesian authorities, the music refused to be silenced. If anything, the repression only strengthened the resolve of Zimbabwean artists such as the enigmatic Tineyi Chikupo, who continued to compose songs that carried the hopes and struggles of the people. By the time Zimbabwe gained independence in 1980, the musicians who had risked everything to give their people a voice emerged as national heroes. The 25 songs presented in this project showcase the birth of the modern music industry in Zimbabwe and the explosion of creativity bands of the 1970s and 80s delivered is endlessly rewarding. It was a time of wild experimentation before established genres had crystallised. Rock, rumba, soul and traditional grooves all collide beautifully in this collection, which also includes never-before-released tracks by Thomas Mapfumo, Oliver Mtukudzi and many other Zimbabwean artists!
released May 2, 2025
Graphic Design: Yacine Blaiech (Mogli Studio)
Front Cover Design: Santiago Pozzi aka "Santi"
Front Cover & Gatefold Pictures: Bester Kanyama
Mastering: Michael Graves (Osiris Studio)
Audio Restoration: Jordan McLeod (Osiris Studio)
Liner Notes: Samy Ben Redjeb, Volkan Kaya, Fred Zindi, Banning Eyre
Text Editing: Jesse Simon, Ian Preece
Salisbury's Musical Map: Molka Braiek & Helmi Bardaa
Graphic Design: Yacine Blaiech (Mogli Studio)
Front Cover Design: Santiago Pozzi aka "Santi"
Front Cover & Gatefold Pictures: Bester Kanyama
Mastering: Michael Graves (Osiris Studio)
Audio Restoration: Jordan McLeod (Osiris Studio)
Liner Notes: Samy Ben Redjeb, Volkan Kaya, Fred Zindi, Banning Eyre
Text Editing: Jesse Simon, Ian Preece
Salisbury's Musical Map: Molka Braiek & Helmi Bardaa
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★★★★★ 5
Great look
Color: Navy, Size: Medium
The top Fit great looked good the pants are too flimsy.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Great simple thobe for the holidays
Color: Black, Size: X-Large
I would say this is a very stylish thobe that I used for Eid. Its not that polyester feel so during hot weather it is very comfortable to wear especially if you roll up the sleeve. It also doesnt feel light either so it does have a noticeable weight to it so you might thing you will sweat in it, but I didnt and I wore a white t shirt under neath. The sizing is true to size. The color is a nice black and not faded even after multiple washes. The over quality and value for the money is a great so definitely a buy. I also like the little accents. Simple yet classy.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2025
★★★★★ 1
Used Disgusting Smelling Kurta Delivered
Color: Black, Size: XX-Large, Color: Black, Size: XX-Large
Sent me a used Kurta without pants. Disgusting
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Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Casual and comfortable
Great quality, soft and comfortable. The sleeves are a little longer than most, but the shirt is roomy enough to order a size smaller.
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Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2025
★★★★★ 5
My Teen Son’s Favorite Shirt Right Now
This ended up becoming my teen son’s favorite shirt really quickly. He reaches for it all the time because it’s lightweight, comfortable, and easy to wear without feeling stiff or heavy.
The material feels soft with a little stretch to it, and it holds up nicely after washing without coming out wrinkled. It also has a clean look to it that works for casual wear but still looks a little more put together than a basic t-shirt.
It’s especially nice for warmer weather because the fabric breathes well and doesn’t feel clingy.
Overall, this was a really good buy and one of those shirts that gets worn constantly because it just fits and feels good.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2026