By Sowell Chikwari
PROMINENT Afro-chimurenga songstress Jane Marimo’s new video titled These Walls Must Fall has brought under the spotlight the plight of refugees across the globe.
The video, which was produced by Takesure Chari at Simba Studios in Darwendale, has since become a global hit after it was adopted as the theme song by international human rights watch group, These Walls Must Fall in their outreach programmes for refugees.
This was after the energetic Simba Band had put up a splendid performance at an online fundraising concert titled “Music Beyond Borders” held on June 19 during the Refugee Week.
Most refugees, especially of African descent face numerous challenges in the western world including detention, harassment, and deportation, regardless of their unfortunate circumstances, which in most cases are life-threatening.
The majority of asylum seekers flee their countries due to hunger and starvation, war and conflicts, religious and political persecution, and in that quest for freedom many end up in very difficult situations as refugees.
Speaking to this publication the Simba Band leader said, “the video brings to the fore challenges faced by refugees across the world. Most of them are detained in inhumane conditions before being eventually deported back to their countries of origin.
“The song started trending on social media after it was adopted by the pressure group These Walls Must Fall which challenges the detention of refugees by immigration authorities. The way refugees are treated in most European countries is very detrimental to their health and well being and we challenge those countries to revoke laws and immigration policies that promote the detention of refugees.”
Marimo — an accomplished businesswoman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist — has six albums under her belt including; Shungu Dzangu (2013), Daka Regore (2014), Chikonzero (2016), Makasa (2017), as well as singles Kumusha NeChristmas (2015), Cradle Zimbabwe (2019) and several videos. Her most popular songs include Hwahwa, Rasta and Africa, Makasa, and Chikonzero.
Over the years she has established numerous technological centres to empower marginalised youths in rural areas across the country by imparting computer literacy and digital communication skills.
The Simba Bandleader, who usually stays in Denmark on work and family commitments, flew back into the country last week.