Citation

Mapuranga TP. Muziki 2012; 9(1): 58-70.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Unisa Press)

DOI

10.1080/18125980.2012.737104

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Oliver Mtukudzi is arguably one of the best musicians in Zimbabwe today. Beginning his recording career as early as 1975, with an album Stop after Orange, the seasoned musician sings about almost anything and everything that pertain to human life from politics, religion, economics and social. This essay examines the social aspects of Mtukudzi's music in relation to violence, particularly gender violence. Stemming from African culture, the assumption in his songs is that gender violence is stronger towards women, and this is due to the unbalanced power that exists between the African man and woman in most traditional societies. The thrust of this article is to unveil the concerns of the musician Mtukudzi and the lament of the woman and her children in the face of violence in the home.