Hero Shoko
Date: 2009
Region: Zimbabwe
Subject: Political/Economic/Social Opinion
Medium: Radio, Music
Artist: Hosiah Chipanga
Confronting Bodies: Nigerian government officials and Radio Zimbabwe
Dates of Action: June 10, 2009
Location: Zimbabwe
Description of Artwork: Chipanga's 2009 album Hero Shoko is highly critical of the Zanu-PF regime. One song, released on President Mugabe's birthday, denounces corrupt public officials.
The Incident: After the song's surprise release the album was blacklisted and pulled off air from Radio Zimbabwe.
Results of Incident: DJs were forbidden to play any of Chipanga's music. According to Zim Daily, “As you enter ZBC Radio Zimbabwe's studios you are welcomed with posters written Hosiah Chipanga Prohibited Music. This reminds the DJs to censor themselves. Chipanga is the third victim of circumstances after Leonard Zhakata and Thomas Mapfumo whose catalogues are not wholly given airplay”. However, by 2011 "Chipanga is currently enjoying overwhelming response from his latest album Vaudze Hosiah that has taken the airwaves by storm." (The Zibabwean, Entertainment section, 8/9/2011)
Source: http://www.freemuse.org/sw33914.asp; http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk/entertainment/music-and-dance/52534/mapipi-will-restore-hope-chipanga.html