In Zimbabwe, inflation is running around 7,000 percent. Public discontent with President Robert Mugabe is higher than ever. Shop shelves are empty. And food is scarce. It's hard to imagine many Zimbabweans having enough money to buy a CD. But as The World's Marco Werman reports, one of Zimbabwe's best known musicians is now openly venting his country's troubles in song.
If you're a Zimbabwean musician, you might be scared to openly express your feelings. Musicians, who oppose President Robert Mugabe, have been censored, even gotten death threats. But there's evidence that some influential Zimbabwean musicians are becoming more brazen in their criticism of Mugabe and his government.
When veteran singer-songwriter Oliver Mtukudzi sings "pray for the nation," it marks a big departure for him.
This song comes from his just released CD "Tsimba itsoka." Other words in this tune, "Kumirira Nekumirira," hide little.
In the Tshona language, the words say "Why just sit there and wait? We are suffering. We will perish. Together we can make a difference."
It's a big departure for Mtukudzi because in the past, he's been able to keep his career in Zimbabwe afloat by not tackling political issues head-on.
Mtukudzi once told me that he wrote his songs using parables and metaphors.
“If people can use my song to suit whatever they want to do, that's a good song for me. It's a good song. I don't write the song for myself. I write for people to use it. So if they feel it means X, how can I say no, cause that's what he wants the song to mean.â€
Now though, it's become a lot harder to listen to any number of current songs by Mtukudzi and NOT FIND criticism of President Mugabe.
In this tune from the new CD, Mtukudzi sings "just one rotten nut will spoil the taste of a whole mouthful...when one person behaves badly the entire family is disgraced."
Another song provides this advice: "one should learn to listen as others speak...that way when you then speak, others will also listen."
It's difficult to imagine any Zimbabwean listeners hearing that and not reflecting on their president.
With an economy in freefall though, it's equally difficult many there having enough money to buy the CD.
Ironically, as long as the economic situation remains dire, Oliver Mtukudzi may be able to write anything he wants and get away with it.
For The World, I'm Marco Werman.
