Online Reporter
Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
TALENTED Afro-fusion artiste, Ranson Madzamba, affectionately known as Mazarura, has once again captivated audiences with his latest offing, Mukoma Ranga — a soul-stirring composition honouring the resilience, sacrifice and unyielding spirit of liberation war heroes and heroines.
Madzamba said he will continue releasing songs in honour of the unsung heroes and heroines, who traded comfort and kinship, for the pain and uncertainty of the liberation war.
The new single, released last week, is accompanied by a video, which is already sending shockwaves on YouTube and other social media platforms.
The character of Mukoma Ranga in the music video embodies thousands of brave souls who left families behind, driven by an unyielding hope for a better Zimbabwe.
In the video, Mukoma Ranga was a loving father who made the heart-wrenching decision to leave his young children behind and join the liberation struggle.
His story is heart-breaking.
After the ceasefire, when families celebrated the return of their loved ones, his children waited with eyes full of hope, but he never came back, having fallen in one of the many bloody battles leading to the nation’s independence.
“You can imagine the trauma, the pain and the emotions. These are real situations that transpired, and the song stands as a reminder to say, as a nation let us remain focused and united for a cause.
“I am happy with the response the new offering is receiving, particularly the video. Mukoma Ranga is a mirror to the past and compass for the future.
“Through haunting mbira melodies and deeply emotional lyrics, it visually and sonically narrates a piece of Zimbabwe’s liberation history. Continents like Asia, and America have archived their histories in art and song, so too must Zimbabwe honour its heroes through music that stirs the spirit and educates the soul,” said Mazarura.
Mazarura, a civil servant and communicator by profession, has long used music as a medium to inspire and inform.
Known for the iconic “Vision 2030 Tinosvika/Siyafika” and other impactful songs like “Say No To Drug and Substance Abuse”, he has become a true cultural beacon.
His ability to fuse traditional rhythms with powerful messaging is unmatched, making him not just a musician, but chronicler of national memory.
Awarded twice as the Best Communicator in Zimbabwe and named one of the 40 under 40 influential communicators in 2023, Mazarura stands tall as a pillar in the fields of communication and advocacy.
His work, especially through Mukoma Ranga, continues to echo the sacrifices of the past, urging citizens to uphold the values of liberty, fraternity, and equality.
His road to stardom started in 2009 at Midlands State University (MSU) when he would attend mbira playing sessions by Music and Musicology students at the institution.
In 2021, he released another soulful track, “Tinochema Magamba”, which is a dedication and honour to all liberation war heroes and heroines.
The song, which is a fusion of traditional and contemporary instruments — mbira, congas, acoustic guitar and saxophone — was recorded at Maselo Studios.
The new offering is Madzamba’s third Pan-African song and apart from honouring gallant sons and daughters who fought the Chimurenga war — Madzamba has also in previous compositions paid tribute to late musicians — Soul Jah Love and Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi.
