By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Harare’s 1970s music scene is now Grammy-nominated.
Zimbabwe is making waves on the global music stage. Roots Rocking Zimbabwe: The Modern Sound of Harare Townships (1975–1980) has been nominated for a 2026 Grammy Award in the Best Historical Album category.
The 25-track compilation, released by German label Analogue Africa, captures the explosive creativity of Harare’s 1970s music scene.
Rock, rhumba, soul, and traditional rhythms collide in songs by legends like Thomas Mapfumo and Oliver Mtukudzi, including the iconic Anoshereketa.
The Grammy nod celebrates meticulous archival work, restoring old masters and preserving Zimbabwe’s musical heritage for future generations.
The album includes a booklet with band profiles, historical context, and rare photos of the township music scene.
This nomination adds to Zimbabwe’s growing international recognition, following past Grammy nods for producer Tinashe “T-Collar” Sibanda and 2022 winner Alexandra Shungudzo Govere.
For Zimbabwe, Roots Rocking Zimbabwe is more than a compilation it’s a global celebration of the country’s rich musical legacy and enduring creative spirit.