The deployment of a 'sacred song' in violence in Zimbabwe: The case of the song 'Zimbabwe Ndeye Ropa Ramadzibaba' (Zimbabwe was/is Born of the Blood of the Fathers/Ancestors) in Zimbabwean Politics

Abstract

The dominant narrative in the study of religion in Africa is that African indigenous religions are non-violent, peaceful and seek to promote healing and integration. In this paradigm, it is militant missionary religions such as Islam and Christianity that promote violence. Such an approach misses the key learning that no religion is violent in and of itself: only the determination of individuals and groups acting in the name of a particular religion is relevant as to whether/the extent to which a religion can be appropriated and deployed to perpetrate violence. This article explores the deployment of a song, 'Zimbabwe Ndeye Ropa Ramadzibaba' to justify 'sacred violence' to 'defend Zimbabwe against witches/enemies'. The central research question is: How is the song, 'Zimbabwe Ndeye Ropa…' appropriated and deployed to sacralise violence in Zimbabwean politics? The article describes the song and analyses some of the contexts in which the song has been strategically performed. The study seeks to underscore the manipulation of indigenous spirituality in justifying violence. Theoretically, the study challenges the naïve claims that indigenous religions are 'pure and upright' in relation to violence.

Praising the Croc, Despising Nero: The Politics of Hero-Worshipping Leaders Through Music and Speech in Zimbabwe

“…To challenge ZANU-PF is believed to have questioned the War Veterans credentials who liberated Zimbabwe from the Rhodesian government under Ian Smith (Chitando and Tarusarira, 2017). This is noted in the song "Zimbabwe Ndeye Ropa Ramadzibaba in English; Zimbabwe was/is born of the blood of the Fathers/ Ancestors" ( (Chitando and Tarusarira, 2017). At the same time, those who pursue that mission are tainted as a sell-out party by their counterparts.…”

‘Is Mugabe Also Among the National Deities and Kings?’: Place Renaming and the Appropriation of African Chieftainship Ideals and Spirituality in Mugabe’s Zimbabwe

“…ZANU-PF supporters composed several songs and jingles that celebrated Mugabe as a cultic hero. One example is that of a former cabinet minister, Elliot Manyika, whose song ‘ VaMugabe mudzimu wedu ’ (Mr Mugabe is our ancestor) situates Mugabe within the hierarchy of the national spirit elders (Chitando and Tarusarira, 2017). The sacrality of Mugabe might also explain the obeisance that members of ZANU-PF show to him.…”

Teaching religion and human security in Africa

“…Such an approach enhances vigilance on the part of the learners, alerting them to the reality that any/every religion is amenable to manipulation and deployment to cause violence in specific contexts. Given the romantic interpretations of African Traditional Religions that tend to dominate African departments of religious studies, it is strategic to highlight the extent to which African Traditional Religions have been implicated in violence in Africa (see for example, Chitando and Tarusarira 2017). Further, it is also tactical to analyze sacred texts that appear to promote violence and subject them to textual criticism.…”