Homecoming in KwaZvimba: The Mapfumo Soundtrack to a Murombedzi Christmas
Tendai Keith Guvamombe
As the sweltering December sun dips below the horizon of the Zvimba plains, a sonic signature begins to throb through the air, signaling that you have arrived at the undisputed nerve center of the district.
This is Murombedzi Growth Point, once known in the colonial era as “5 Miles,” but now a sprawling hub of rural cosmopolitanism.
At its beating heart lies Parafin General Dealers, an establishment that transcends the typical retail experience to become a living monument of cultural preservation.
The atmosphere here is thick with a mixture of festive nostalgia and modern energy, drawing crowds that seek the authentic Zvimba experience.
To enter the vicinity of Parafin Bar is to enter a curated auditory landscape. Here, the atmospheric pressure is measured not in millibars, but in the rhythmic clatter of hosho and the hypnotic pluck of the mbira.
The establishment operates on a draconian but soul-stirring musical mandate: Thomas “Mukanya” Mapfumo, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
The management enforces a rigorous “Chimurenga-only” protocol; any bartender daring to deviate from the Lion of Zimbabwe’s discography faces immediate summary dismissal.
This creates a unique sonic branding—a perpetual loop of liberation struggle melodies and traditional folklore that defines the very essence of the Murombedzi aesthetic.
During the Christmas festive season, the Robert Gabriel Road becomes a bustling artery, pumping revelers from the hinterlands of Masiyarwa, Mupumbu, Nyamangara, and Karigamombe toward this neon-lit oasis.
While some might migrate toward Chinhoyi to witness the legendary Gwaya Gwaya spectacle, the local aficionados know that Murombedzi offers a more visceral connection to the soil.
The influx of tourism from surrounding areas like St Barnabas, Mboma, and Chitomborwizi transforms the township into a vibrant tapestry of social interaction and high-spirited celebration.
The entertainment ecosystem at Parafin is a masterclass in high-octane hospitality. Binge lovers find their sanctuary here, fueled by the cold nectar of Mutongerwa, a beverage that brings a distinct sense of pride and communal joy to the Zvimba elite and rural folk alike.
The synergy between the cold brews and the timeless resonance of Mapfumo’s voice creates an intoxicating “festive vertigo” that keeps the dance floor packed until dawn.
It simply would not be Murombedzi without the presence of Mutongerwa, which acts as the social lubricant for the myriad of stories shared under the Zimbabwean stars.Murombedzi isn’t just a township; it is a seasonal phenomenon.
From the dusty tracks of Musarurwa and Mabvure to the bustling centers of Mariga and Madzima, the call of the Chimurenga beat acts as a lighthouse for those returning home.
Whether you are seeking the technical precision of a perfectly chilled lager or the flowery nostalgia of a village reunion, Parafin General Dealers remains the ultimate destination.
This Christmas, if the mbira isn’t crying out over the speakers, you simply haven’t arrived at the main Growth Point.
