Latest news with #Shona
Bangkok Post
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Bangkok Post
The lion roars on
Musician and bandleader Thomas Mapfumo is 80 years old this month. The man, often dubbed the "Lion of Zimbabwe", is still hugely popular in his home country, despite having gone into exile and resettling in Oregon in 2000. Mapfumo also has a nickname in his native Shona language, Mukanya, the translation of which means pompous monkey; the name reflects Mapfumo's enormous influence and refers to his Chimurenga music (struggle), which was a key element in resisting the then British colonial government. Mapfumo was born in 1945, south of the Zimbabwean capital Harare, and for his first 10 years he lived a traditional, rural life. After his family moved to Mbare, a township in Harare, he began to explore traditional Shona music, especially the ngoma drum and the mbira (thumb piano or sanza), both of which would be later incorporated into his music. Interestingly, across Central Africa (from the Congo in the west to Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in the east) various versions of the mbira were used in traditional music and the transcription of mbira music to the guitar helped create the amazing guitar style found in all those countries (think of past masters like Tanzanian Hukwe Zawose or Zimbabwe's own Stella Chiweshe). By the age of 16, Mapfumo had begun to work in bands as a singer -- the Zulu Brothers and Wagon Wheels were among some of bands he played in. He worked with fellow musical pioneers like Oliver Mtukudzi and in 1972 formed his own Hallelujah Chicken Run Band, which mainly played covers of US soul and rock'n'roll. But then he began to work with guitarist Jonah Sithole (and Joshua Dube), adapting Shona music to Western, electrified instruments and singing in Shona. Naturally, singing in Shona and using his own traditions was viewed poorly by the then white-minority government of Rhodesia (changed to Zimbabwe after independence). He was arrested and jailed in 1979 but large demonstrations and Mapfumo's insistence that he was just playing the music of his ancestors led to his release. Free elections were held in 1980 and he continued to criticise the government but in ways that were subtle. In 1989, he released Corruption, an album that included his most trenchant criticism of the Mugabe government. Perhaps it was lines like these that upset the authorities: "Corruption, corruption, corruption in the society … Nothing for nothing, something for something … that's the slogan for today." This particular song, in my view, remains one of the best popular anthems against corruption around. But Mapfumo's relentless musical fight against oppression and corruption -- he doesn't do love songs -- took its toil and as he was harassed and threatened he made the decision to leave for exile in the US. He returned to his home country, most notably after the fall of Mugabe in 2017. Mapfumo's legacy and influence are considerable. His chimurenga music directly influenced a new generation, especially young guitar-based outfits like The Bhundu Boys and their jit music. There are many albums and compilations of Mapfumo; first time listeners might like to dip into some of his early work. The Corruption album was released by Mango Records (then part of Island Records) as part of label boss Chris Blackwell's search for a star to replace the late global reggae star Bob Marley (the search is still on!). You can easily find the album online. Perhaps to coincide with Mapfumo's 80th birthday celebrations, Analog Africa has released a brilliant compilation (in all formats) Roots Rocking Zimbabwe – The Modern Sound Of Harare Townships 1975-1980, with the opening track Chiiko Chinotinetsa by Mapfumo (and his Acid Band). Roots Rocking showcases the creativity during the 1975-80 period in Harare as musicians added to a solid foundation of traditional music all kinds of eclectic sounds -- rock, rumba, mambo, Congolese guitars and anything else that worked. Also look out for another Zimbabwean superstar, Oliver Mtukudzi, whose music is as catchy and irresistible as Mapfumo and the Bhundu Boys. The compilation comes with a copy of Fred Zindi's seminal 1985 book Roots Rocking In Zimbabwe, which I managed to order from Zimbabwe many years ago. The compilation is worth it just for this wonderful slim volume. Corruption and the new compilation are available on Bandcamp. I have very fond memories of my interview with this fearless musical giant in Tokyo. As we met and shook hands, he smiled. "Just call me Brother Thomas," he said.
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
Man in court charged with murder of Scots mum after major breakthrough in cold case mystery after 30 years
Cops last week dropped the bombshell that they had arrested the pensioner – 31 years after Shona was found fatally injured IN THE DOCK Man in court charged with murder of Scots mum after major breakthrough in cold case mystery after 30 years A MAN has appeared in court accused of allegedly murdering a Scots mum more than three decades ago. Fraser Kilpatrick, 67, stood in the dock at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court today, charged with killing young mum Shona Stevens in November 1994. Advertisement 3 Shona Stevens, 31, died in 1994 Credit: Scotland Police 3 She was found fatally injured on a footpath near her home in Alder Green in Irvine Credit: Police Scotland 3 Cops last week revealed a man had been arrested and charged as part of their long-running investigation Credit: Tom Farmer The pensioner made no plea and was remanded in custody. It comes after cops last week dropped the bombshell that they had arrested Kilpatrick – 31 years after Shona was found fatally injured just yards from her home in Middleton Park, Irvine. The 31-year-old mum had popped out to the Co-op in Bourtreehill Shopping Centre - when she was allegedly attacked in broad daylight as she walked along a footpath next to a wooded area close to her house. Shona was last seen around 1.10pm on Towerlands Road. Advertisement Just ten minutes later, she was discovered with horrific injuries near Alder Green — only metres from home. She was rushed to hospital but tragically died three days later, on Sunday, November 13, 1994. At the time, she was living in Alder Green with her mum and her seven-year-old daughter Candice. The incident left the community in shock, with locals fearing a killer was among them. Advertisement But now, after a three-decade wait for answers, detectives have finally charged someone in relation to her death. Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Gillies said: 'I would like to thank the members of the local community who assisted us in our inquiries. Grisly case of gold jeweller gunned down in bath in Sopranos-style 'hit' 35yrs ago - as family offered fresh hope "I am grateful for their information and input, which greatly contributed to our investigation.'
Daily Record
a day ago
- Daily Record
Man appears in court charged with murder of Shona Stevens in Irvine over 30 years ago
Fraser Kilpatrick, 67, appeared at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court on Monday. A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of Irvine mum Shona Stevens over 30 years ago. Fraser Kilpatrick, 67, appeared at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court on Monday, July 28. Kilpatrick, of Glasgow, made no plea and was remanded in custodywhile the case was committed for further examination. He will be expected to reappear in court within the next eight days. Shona, 31, died after she was found with serious head injuries on a footpath in a wooded area near the Ayrshire town's Bourtreehill Park on November 10, 1994. The alleged attack happened just 200 yards from the mum's home, as she walked to the Co-op shop in Bourtreehill shopping centre. She was last seen alone just ten minutes before she was found in a critical condition. The mother sadly died in hospital three days later. The police investigation into her death came to a standstill after evidence from the crime scene was feared to have been blown away by the rescue helicopter. Her body was laid to rest five days later in her mum's hometown of Portree on Skye. Shona's death was the third murder recorded in the town in 1994, leaving many local residents in fear - especially as Shona's killer was never brought to justice. Last year, after nearly three decades, Police Scotland announced they were " determined" her killer would be caught. Her death was being re-investigated as part of a cold case review. At the time, officers were hopeful that advancements in science could lead to a break through. Shona's case was featured on BBC's Crimewatch Live in 2021. A £10,000 reward was offered for any information leading to the arrest of the killer. As part of the appeal, viewers were told about an unusual object which was recovered at the crime scene. A novelty keyring was recovered, despite other evidence potentially being destroyed.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Man charged in connection with death of woman found in woodland 30 years ago
Shona Stevens died after she was discovered badly injured on a path in woodland near her home in Irvine, North Ayrshire, on November 10, 1994 - a man has now been charged A 67-year-old man has been charged following the death of a mother more than 30 years ago, police have confirmed. Shona Stevens, 31, was discovered badly injured on a path in woodland near her home in Irvine, North Ayrshire, on November 10 1994. She later died in hospital. On Friday, Police Scotland announced that a 67-year-old had been arrested - with an update on Saturday revealing the man has now been charged. It comes more than three decades after Ms Stevens was found injured on a footpath near the rear of Alder Green in the Bourtreehill Park area of Irvine. Senior investigation officer Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Gillies said: "I would like to thank the members of the local community who assisted us in our inquiries. I am grateful for their information and input which greatly contributed to our investigation." The man is now expected to appear at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court on Monday, July 28. The frenzied attack happened just 200 yards from the mum's Ayrshire home, as she walked to the Co-op shop in Bourtreehill shopping centre. Shona was last seen walking alone on Towerlands Road just 10 minutes before she was found, the Daily Record reports. The police investigation was hampered after crucial evidence from the crime scene was feared to have been blown away by the downdraught of the helicopter airlifting Shona to hospital in Glasgow. Five weeks later, her body was laid to rest in her mum's hometown of Portree on Skye. It was the third murder recorded in the town in 1994, leaving many local residents in fear - especially as Shona's killer walked freely. But, Police Scotland announced last year that they were 'determined' that the killer would be caught. Her death was being re-investigated as part of a cold case review. At the time, officers were hopeful that advancements in science could lead to a break through. Shona's case was featured on BBC's Crimewatch Live in 2021. A £10,000 reward was offered for any information leading to the arrest of the killer. As part of the appeal, viewers were told about an unusual object - a novelty keyring - which was recovered at the crime scene. A Police Scotland statement released today read: "A 67-year-old man arrested in connection with the death of Shona Stevens has now been charged."
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Scots cops charge man 30 years after mystery death of young mum
Shona Stevens was found dying just meters from her home Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A PENSIONER who was arrested in connection with the mystery death of a young mum 30 years ago has now been charged. Shona Stevens was tragically found dying just meters from her home in Irvine, Ayrshire, on November 10, 1994. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Shona Stevens died in November 1994 Credit: POLICE SCOTLAND 3 She was found critically injured on a footpath near Alder Green, in Irvine, Ayrshire Credit: POLICE SCOTLAND The 31-year-old was discovered on a footpath near the rear of Alder Green in the Bourtreehill Park area of the town. She was rushed to hospital, but sadly passed away three days later. Shona was living with her mum and her daughter, Candice, who was just seven at the time. She had briefly left the house to nip to the Co-op shop in Bourtreehill Shopping Centre around lunchtime when she was allegedly attacked. She was last seen walking home alone along Towerlands Road at around 1.10pm. But three decades after detectives were left baffled, police yesterday revealed that a 67-year-old man was arrested in connection with her death. And today, Police Scotland's Major Investigation Team have confirmed that the pensioner has now been charged. He is now expected to appear at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court sometime on Monday. Senior investigation officer Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Gillies said: 'I would like to thank the members of the local community who assisted us in our inquiries. 'I am grateful for their information and input, which greatly contributed to our investigation.' I thought mom abandoned me as a baby but she'd been left 'without a face' in brutal murder - cops 'can solve it & won't' The major breakthrough in the cold-case murder comes after mum Mhairi and Candice launched a plea for answers last year. The heartbroken family urged anyone with information to come forward and speak with officers. "We still want justice for Shona, and your help would be greatly appreciated. "We know it has been 30 years since Shona was taken from us but to us it seems like only yesterday. "There is not a day that goes by that she is not in our thoughts and in our hearts. 'If you remember noticing or seeing anything suspicious or out of the ordinary, no matter how small, please let the police know. ' Investigators previously said the key to solving the case was in the community and Crimestoppers stumped up a £20K reward. In a previous appeal, DI Gillies said he believed "the person responsible has local connections". He said a number of "forensic investigations" were also being carried out, during a statement in November last year. He said the force "remains focused to ensure that justice is done". Appeals for information have also featured on the BBC's Crimewatch.
