The Conflicted Legacy Of Zimbabwean Musician And Revolutionary 'Chinx' Chingaira
Dickson "Chinx" Chingaira, who died last week at the age of 61, fought and sung for President Robert Mugabe, who has wielded despotic power in the country since 1980.
Dickson "Chinx" Chingaira, a Zimbabwean revolutionary and musician who died of cancer last week at the age of 61, may be considered a hero within the rank-and-file of President Robert Mugabe's administration. However, many lament the aid Chingaira's music gave to the long-time ruler of this southern African country.
After Chingaira's death Friday at a Harare hospital, a national debate erupted over whether he should be declared a national war hero.
Many of Chingaira's songs receive regular play on both national television and state radio stations throughout the country, and can often be heard as the soundtrack to rallies of ZANU-PF, the ruling party founded and of civil war.
