Whistle for Freedom

Thousands displaced and more than 60 reported killed...
In almost a month of appalling suffering and xenophobic violence was the scene for Zimbabwean Joshua Mambo Rusere counseling people twice broken by violation,
first in Zimbabwe and then at the hands of their ‘brothers in South Africa.
Through it all Mambo Rusere kept the recording date at a small studio in Northern Johannesburg a priority, determined to record songs of hope.
He and The Vic Falls Mbira Group made their way through dangerous streets armed only with mbiras and gentle percussion instruments, determined to lay down their emotionally charged songs in a CD fittingly titled “Whistle for Freedom”.

In the midst of xenophobic chaos in his adopted home and political turmoil in his country of birth, Mambo-Rusere,
a welfare officer for the Zimbabwe Political Victims Association, is determined to use the most powerful means he knows to communicate his message to fellow Zimbabweans.
As a musician and poet he has captured his heart in songs on an inspiring and emotive CD, which encourages his countrymen to go home in peace to vote. He is not aiming for a Grammy Award or for platinum sales but for the successful communication of a message of hope. Mambo-Rusere is himself a victim of Zanu-PF brutality and current xenophobia but his spirit remains positive and optimistic.

Mambo Rusere hopes to have the songs on air by the end of this week
(13 June 2008). And is relying on international stations like Voice of America to flight them; hopefully they will be heard over the airwaves in Zimbabwe. But the harsh truth is that there are no opposition stations left in Zimbabwe. The CD will be distributed for no financial gain. What the group wants is only that the message is heard in this powerful plea and a vision of a new era; a new hope for ravaged Zimbabwe is realized. They need media and broadcast support to help raise awareness and get the message out.

The CD is available. Recorded and mixed as a labour of love & support by composer Nik Sakellarides, of the Pink Room, Johannesburg. The sleeve features artwork by internationally acclaimed Zimbabwean artist and activist Chaz Maviyane-Davies.
The project has at its helm Elinor Sisulu from the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (084 402 4931)

The project co-coordinators are still in need of financial support to offset the cd replication and packaging.

The CD recorded in SHONA is dedicated to a new Zimbabwe – and annals this desperate period in the History of Zim and Southern Africa.