Final answer:
Chimurenga songs were a genre of music that expressed the social and political struggles in African communities, particularly in Zimbabwe. It served as a means of resistance and cultural identity for oppressed groups, using collective performance and call-and-response structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chimurenga Songs Genre
The "Chimurenga songs" genre included a variety of musical expressions that were often tied to the cultural, political, and social struggles of African communities, particularly in Zimbabwe. These songs played a significant role in the resistance movements against colonial rule and were a means to express both political sentiment and solidarity among the oppressed groups. The genre is also reflective of the broader landscape of African secular music, which incorporates work songs, hollers, and other forms of expression that serve as a vehicle for community cohesion, resistance, and the preservation of African cultural identity.
These songs could carry covert messages of resistance that allowed individuals to communicate across communities, often in the face of severe oppression. Black secular music was also instrumental in maintaining a sense of unity and shared cultural heritage through the trials of slavery and beyond. The genre includes a rich body of work that often features collective performance, call-and-response structures, and incorporates both vocal and instrumental elements.