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The framework of Zimbabwe Music ranges from the traditional to the post-independence. The plethora of Zimbabwe Music and Zimbabwe Songs comprise of the indigenous flavor of the traditional spiritual and ceremonial music to the protest songs in the colonial period. Post-independence saw a new turn in the Zimbabwe Music, with the evident celebration of independence in the songs punctuated with uncertainty of the post-independent future.
Zimbabwe Music Pre-Colonization
Zimbabwe Music Pre-Colonization was a gay affair with the celebrations of the family deities and Chi. Traditional Zimbabwe Music particularly dealt with the various phases of human cycle like childhood, adolescence, adulthood, marriage, old age and death. Having the roots in oral tradition, which was essentially performative, dance and music also encapsulated the various moods of love, sorrow, desire, hatred, mirth etc.
Zimbabwe Music during Colonization
With the advent of foreign invasion, the Zimbabweans realized the need to re-establish their roots in their tradition, which was otherwise considered to be childish and uncivilized. With the advent of Christianity, the African songs were replaced by Christian hymns and odes. The time and the situation demanded unity among the people to fight for their rights to preserve the tradition and bar the impending doom on their country. Zimbabwe music went through a phase of retaliation, where the freedom of mind and ideas were voiced louder than ever.
Zimbabwe Music Post-Independence
Post independence, Zimbabwean Music underwent a heterogeneous phase, where there were musical adaptations from the colonizers as well as the traditional indigenous flavor of the country. The musicians in this era learned to voice their after-independence concerns in a medium which was not their own. The drums, Tama and the half calabashes were replaced by pipes and clarinets.
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