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Viomak has released a Christmas box bundle for ‘Zimbabwe Circus’ politicians in the form of a protest music album. Zimbabwe Circus is an 8 track songs of liberation compilation, filled with a variety of Zimbabwean beats. The instruments were done in Zimbabwe at a popular recording studio for anti Mugabe singers all of them men who are MDC-T opposition party supporters except for Viomak who is the only female protest singer and not an opposition member. The change highlights another shift of Viomak’s music and the singer’s real self. I happened to listen to all the tracks and my personal assumption is that this type of thought provoking music will make Zimbabweans wonder if they are doing the right thing or not. That’s the purpose of art I suppose. To reach people’s minds, whilst modelling behaviours and shaping beliefs.

In an unusual and expected move, Viomak who has always refused to oppress her voice, and strictly sings about the political situation in Zimbabwe composed the songs which despise both ruling Robert Mugabe and opposing Morgan Tsvangirai’s leadership qualities in different ways. The move definitely takes artistic freedom in Zimbabwe to a new level whilst creating more enemies and fans for the protest singer who compares ZanuPF and MDC-T to 6 and 9 when she says,
“Mugabe is a bad person and bad leader. Tsvangirai is a good person but is not a good leader. Whilst some protest musicians have taken political sides it is very healthy and important for me to remain non partisan and independent otherwise the people we sing for will be deprived of the truth since pro political party musicians tend to be biased and speak only good about the masters that they sing for .In many known cases they exaggerate and give masses wrong impressions which is not good for socio-political progress. For example, the MDC-T mayor of Chitungwiza, Israel Marange was arrested for corruption and it is important that someone sings about it and against it, otherwise the crime will be water under the bridge. I understand that this album will give birth to a new breed of haters since Zimbabweans are generally truth haters, but with time people will understand and appreciate my stance. It is not an easy road to tread. You are bombarded with all sorts of verbal insults now and again and all drawbacks and temptations that are associated with protest music production, but I keep going. My enemies have trebled with the release of Zimbabwe Circus, but the good thing is I am not singing for the love of money but for the love of humanity and Zimbabwe and for preaching truth.”

Viomak recorded Zimbabwe Circus album out of her norm as there seems to be no one singing about the Zimbabwe political circus, otherwise she would specialise in Mugabe‘s birthday albums only. The album is also available in acapella and instrumentals in addition to the actual songs blending vocals and instruments. Song 3, titled 6 na 9 is Viomak’s most favourite. All the songs were sung by Viomak. 50 % of proceeds are donated to various charity causes. The songs on the album are:

• Memorandum of Misunderstanding (MOM)
• Gororiya
• 6na9 (Viomak’s favourite)
• Mabhinya
• Jonnie Walker
• Dutch Embassy
• Tipeiwo
• Zimbabwe Circus

Whilst many people were busy making arrangements for a great Christmas holiday, Viomak was busy out and about the studio doing some touches to her album Zimbabwe Circus which was officially released on 25 December 2008.The title of the album sounds promising enough.

As the political situation in Zimbabwe gets tougher it’s also getting tougher for Viomak who has taken artistic freedom of speech to a higher and reputable level. Zimbabwe Circus is a self explanatory protest music album which she composed and wrote following the political circus in Zimbabwe. The album is as controversial as the politics of Zimbabwe which she compares to a circus of clowns with no clue about how to lead their political parties and Zimbabwe. The album itself is also a circus in a different way as depicted by the colorful album cover showing Viomak’s painted face looking like a clown .Zimbabwe Circus is loaded with unique themes laced with rich truthful lyrics, and is very different from her Happy birthday albums in that the songs castigate both ZanuPF and the opposition MDC-T as failed parties that cannot deliver for Zimbabwe.

Probably some of the best things musically about the whole album are how it captures one’s imagination and captivates the mind. One gets caught up in the moment no matter their political affiliation. Chances are the songs were composed to evoke an emotional reaction from the listener, and from the look of it all, it is capable of doing this with far more success than her previous albums. Over the course of 8 tracks the album gives one a very good idea of what it must be like to be a protest singer .Of course the other thing it does give is an idea of the leadership crisis in Zimbabwe.

There can be no doubt that Zimbabwe Circus would be of phenomenal popularity in Zimbabwe if all available means are used to have it get there. Viomak who said she composed all the songs towards Christmas time, said she wanted the production to be much simpler and relevant to the circumstances surrounding the dead but living talks between ZanuPF and MDC-T towards a government of national unity. The truths in her lyrics are a great inspiration and her emotions which are felt in her voice are real. The titles of the songs are not disappointing either as she sings what they mean.

The album is a unique entity. Even on her own Viomak is able to combine the gentleness of each voice into a virtual choir. Even though the tunes are presented in a choral manner the subtle textures of their voices create layers of sound that are a delight to the mind. You quickly forget that there is no backing group in support as Viomak outpours her emotions alone in all the songs and backing herself. Zimbabwe Circus is one of the most unusual protest releases and the album takes the trophy as compared to her previous albums making it a better treat and the best cookie in the jar.

Zimbabwe Circus presents the spirit of the masses in an enormous and convincing way and would make a fine addition to anyone’s collection. If people are to face the truth the album is without question one of the most interesting Zimbabwe protest albums to date making Viomak a heroic, memorable and pleasant protest sensation.

What we have here is an album geared more towards recapturing the spirit of unbiased non partisan protest music in a male dominated territory .As usual, the album will cultivate many new enemies for her in this nation of intolerant political thugs but I think it’s only fair to appreciate what it is for now.

The album sleeve that she designed tells a hidden story of her face looking like a circus clown. This she says exposes the circus of the situation in Zimbabwe and how Zimbabwean political leaders have become clowns. This could be the most relevant political music album of this time. It’s very unfortunate that such kind of music is banned in Zimbabwe otherwise this must a listen album was going to give solace to many desperate Zimbabweans who are unwillingly embroiled in the Zimbabwe circus politics, if only they could afford to listen to it in the comfort of their freedom. With a picture of an MDC membership card in her right hand and the picture of a ZanuPF membership card in her left hand Viomak compares Mugabe and Tsvangirai to 6 and 9. Don’t ask me where she got both membership cards from. All I know is she is non partisan, and the picture works very well with the title of her most favourite song on the album, 6na9. The songs on the album operate as mouth pieces of other silent voices that are afraid of despising MDC-T opposition party as opposing the opposition party is still taboo in Zimbabwe and one has to have brains of steel to be a pioneer of such a courageous patriotic voice of the voiceless.

Of course it will take a while before some people appreciate her type of protest songs but the good thing is starters and pacesetters always shape the way forward and at the end of it all the crown goes to them. Viomak’s music remains in a style of its own. Its truthful nature is becoming a beacon of strength to wannabe protest singers. This is another step towards something truly special. Some political singers have avoided mentioning names. Some have remained silent on criticizing the MDC. Zimbabwe Circus certainly inspires confidence that “freedom of expression is the backbone to a democratic society” to quote her words. With this album Viomak has not only reinvented the musical wheel in Zimbabwe, but has shown that music is a great art that can be utilised in various ways to free one’s voice and feelings. In its uniqueness the album is packed with well thought out lyrics that blend well with awesome guitar chords, exciting drum beats, marimbas and soulful vocals that rub up against well- adapted organs and neatly tailored bass lines completing the package .

Her music talks and her voice sings. If you are the type of person who is not bothered about the politics of Zimbabwe this album will not interest you. However, the good thing is you can ignore the lyrics and dance to the sizzling Zimbabwean beats that cushion the lyrics. The album is one kind of a companion that can lead you through trying times without causing harm to anyone, as long as you play it in the absence of narrow minded people. If you are the sort of person who likes meaningful and inspirational songs that speak on behalf of the oppressed then Zimbabwe Circus is a must for you, as it carries the type of music that speaks for your oppressed soul in a way that will make you applaud Viomak for the great work which most of us have failed to achieve. The album is politically charged and is sung in a gentle way that might also put you off if you are the type of person who is into the aggressive and harsh type of voices. Viomak’s seriousness about the political situation in Zimbabwe takes toll through her vocals and lyrics in these songs of liberation. One can only imagine how emotional she was as she recorded the music.

The choice of instruments that accompany all the songs is superb too. Viomak who had to sing the rough lyrics of her songs to her producer in Zimbabwe on the phone to produce instruments of which she then added her vocals in a studio in Britain, says she faced a terrible time dealing with ‘telemusic production’, but her perseverance made her to pull through successfully. The Zimbabwean producers’ expertise with instruments matched with Viomak’s soft-to-loud vocal style to add depth to an album that is pleasant all the way through.

Zimbabwe Circus announces Viomak’s candidacy for a big post in Zimbabwe’s protest movement. Maybe I can now safely claim with all the confidence that Viomak has now assumed the role of the queen of Zimbabwe protest music. I am confident too that music matchers will not find a match for her since her music resides in a genre of its own, and it is something no known singer in Zimbabwe has embarked on so she has no competitor. However, Viomak claims that her music is a mission not a competition. On previous albums she would on some songs borrow some gospel tunes and come up with great matching lyrics like what many other musicians do. I thought that was where her strength in music rested. I now stand corrected by her Zimbabwe Circus album, in which she has proved with no doubt that she is a great composer and fantastic songwriter. It might take a while for her to get where she is supposed to end up at due to the fact that she is out of Zimbabwe and her music is banned .More to that, her protest music touches on unsaid issues and speaks volumes about the social and political ills in Zimbabwe. To her artistic truth is the remedy for a dead democracy. Her courage coupled with intelligent lyrics gave birth to Zimbabwe Circus, a cool and complex album, as also reflected in the song titles which range from funny themes to thoughtful laments echoing the chaos of Zimbabwe in the post independence era. There are many reflective songs which make the album special with underlying vibes holding noble songs that bring listeners back to unexpected reality.

The album’s gentle and mournful vocals which are a great combination of simultaneous musical notes are matched by hard hitting melodies that echo the all time disaster in the politics of Zimbabwe. Of course no English translation is provided yet for the lyrics but from her passionate voice and coherent instruments one can easily tell that whatever she is singing about is coming from her heart .Her innocent and patient voice is not pushy, but it is full of questions that allow the listener moments to meditate whilst querying the political status quo. The lyrics of the songs are as humorous as ever and this gives the burdened Zimbabweans seventy minutes of serious thinking and serious laughter. The album is an exciting bundle that connects Viomak and her music to an unforgettable historical perspective. Gone are the days when Viomak would resort her lyrics to despise ZanuPF only. Zimbabwe Circus is on the move with lyrics that despise all bad politics in the country. The tracks on this album are an entertaining mix that caters for all those who want to listen to music with a difference. It is a well coordinated album that results from a lousy political story destroying Zimbabwe, and its people. Viomak, who made this album with a producer in Zimbabwe and another in Britain looks at current issues of unity talks in many of the songs. The Zimbabwean producer who worked on the instruments did a credible job in compiling the package which was done in the presence of Viomak’s rough voices. Viomak cannot be in Zimbabwe and if MDC-T Morgan Tsvangirai happens to get into power and start behaving like a mad oppressor too, then Viomak will again find it hard to reside in Zimbabwe unless she goes back home to be part of the leadership solution.

The album is introduced by the song Memorandum of Misunderstanding which opens through a sorrowful, infectious and danceable flute beat, with a warm saxophone and a tight bass played as though by the Zimbabwe police band at the Harare show grounds with a bevy of drum majorettes completing the marching sequence. One can only imagine the song being played at Rainbow towers hotel, the centre for the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) talks if the political circus clowns decide to meet there once again for the almost failed talks. Whilst repeating the chorus which is typical of her music, Viomak showers those who signed the MOU agreement with unanswerable questions. The song is not in a hurry, for she sings in a rhetorical yet demanding manner in a bid to get answers for the same questions that are worrying many Zimbabweans at the moment. As the song spreads out Viomak refuses and rubbishes the MOU agreement as an unreasonable move that is but a waste of time and resources. Through the use of the Chibocha dialect spoken in Manicaland where she hails from as a wasu, she expresses sorrow through impressive language clichés that are used in Manicaland. Her refusal to accept MOU as a viable solution to the Zimbabwe political crisis is also supported by a variety of other instruments like drums, and pressing kicks which tightly hold the song and escort it to its sad and unexpected ending. The length of the song has no bearing on the listening ear due to the fact that the song makes you gather enough curiosity to get you up to nine minutes.

Zimbabwe political parties are locked in talks after signing the MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) agreement. However, Viomak prefers to call the agreement MOM (Memorandum of Misunderstanding), thereby naming the fourth song on her album MOM. The lyrics complain about why Tsvangirai would think of uniting with an inhuman murderer and thug, Robert Mugabe who caused so much harm and pain to Zimbabweans. Viomak questions in song how human beings and inhuman beings can work together and compares the ZanuPF and MDC-T union to mixing water with oil. She fails to understand why someone in their normal senses would even think of talking with Mugabe and hope to come up with a progressive move. She labels Mugabe a loser and low lifer whose language and actions are best understood by psychiatrics.

As the music plays on to the second song Viomak takes a swipe at the reserve bank governor and ZanuPF supporter, Gideon Gono. The song, Gonoriya (pronounced gonorrhea), reminds Gono who she refers to as Dr Gonoriya, of Viomak’s other song Gono bvisa father zero (Gono remove Father Zero) released in 2007. In the song she reminded Gono that the three zeros that he removed from the currency are not the problem, but Mugabe is the father zero who should be removed from power. The song Gonoriya, tells the governor who recently removed ten zeros from the currency that, his failure to take advice has made him repeat the mistake he made before. According to Viomak, she sings the problem is not the zeros but Mugabe is the problem, otherwise as long as Mugabe and ZanuPF are ruling, the zeros will come back and he will continue removing them until kingdom come.

The song Gonoriya is embraced by distinct rolls with a heavy duty bass that scaffolds all the other baby instruments like marimba (percussion instrument) and hosho to give them their well deserving positions in the mix. Every bit is packed in a carton of well polished vocals. The song is set to be a most favourite hit on this album even though Viomak’s most favorite song is 6 na9. Although Gonoriya is an obvious gem it is the type of song one would not even expect to hear play in Zimbabwe even though it is very relevant at this moment in time when Zimbabwe’s inflation is only awaiting its entrance into the Guinness world records. The naming of the song which equates Gideon Gono to gonorrhea makes the song a prohibited item in Zimbabwe even though Viomak doesn’t include anything to that effect in her lyrics. Her lyrics are always very clean. The other reason why the song will never be allowed airplay is because Viomak sings that the disastrous governor is incompetent and is a deviant who doesn’t listen to advice. Some Zimbabweans have reminded Gono that the Zimbabwean dollar is now just as good as tissue paper. Although Viomak doesn’t mention that the fallen dollar is now as good as toilet tissue paper, I’m sure anyone who knows about the economic chaos in Zimbabwe will think otherwise. Loud brass accompanied by a ‘talking’ organ grabs Viomak’s resentment of the way Gonoriya is dealing with the monetary issues in Zimbabwe. The rest of the harmonies agree with the theme of the song in a style that captures one’s attention in a moving way. The song is most suited to public open air gatherings which give revelers enough space to engage in various forms of dancing styles whilst celebrating the governor’s new catchy rhyming nickname. In other words, the song is for serious dancers and those with a high degree of laughter. Although Gonoriya is an easy to sing along tune one wonders how it was composed. It is an epic song that tallies very well with every bit in it. To add on to its uniqueness, the composition gives one the impression that Viomak was singing with a backing group. That’s not it. She takes it up on her own in the studio.
On the third song 6 na 9, which is her most favourite, Viomak builds up confidence with the courage of a desperate and impatient woman who expects MDC-T and ZanuPF to understand that whilst the two parties are dawdling on power sharing disagreements ordinary masses are suffering, making the two heads to resemble 6 and 9.In a worried and fed up voice she starts the song by mentioning that Zimbabwe circus iyi taneta nayo (We are fed up of this Zimbabwe circus). This method of artistic execution or mode of presentation is characteristic of a well thought out song .The two leaders’ dillydallying and some other issues make the two men similar. The song is arranged around jumpy and juicy organ and rhythm beats that somehow signify the leaders’ failure to resolve issues amicably, through the way they are combined as Viomak’s vocals pave their way through the instruments complaining that Zimbabweans are now tired of the political circus. As she repeats that 6 and 9 look alike she asks the two leaders to understand that people are starving, are in darkness, are thirsty and are sick. The song ends with an array of impressive instruments blending well with a short interjection of her vocals in English as she leaves more space for listeners to sing along and bring the song to a rousing ending selflessly allowing time for more body shaking. Of course 6 na 9 is definitely deemed to be another favourite hit for some listeners. Mark my words, apart from reviews and personal comments music remains a subjective entity.

Zimbabwe circus album is a temporary shift away from political gospel, her usual type of protest music, but is a political album which she composed and wrote, after realizing that some opposition politicians were getting away with all sorts of not so good behavior whilst almost everyone’s eyes and thoughts are focused on ZanuPF’s evilness and incompetence. Tsvangirai’s indecisive nature which Viomak is convinced is a disastrous quality in a leader is one reason that inspired her to compose the album .The other reason she said is to expose some of Tsvangirai’s supporters’ intolerant and unbecoming behavior which should not be tolerated.

Viomak said she was shocked and traumatised when one MDC-T supporter said, dying for Tsvangirai is his choice which should be respected, and it’s his democratic right. When Viomak queried his stupidity he said to her “Now please concentrate on taking your anti-retrovirals”. Viomak laments in song that Zimbabwe is in a political crisis and highlights that whilst many people think that they are fighting against ZanuPF’s Chinotimbas, they are also fighting for MDC Chinotimbas in new formats.

The supporter’s belief is one of the many thuggish and irresponsible statements by many MDC-T supporters the reason why Viomak recorded this album. Some of the MDC-T supporters are so barbaric and violent minded and Viomak wonders what will become of Zimbabwe in case Tsvangirai Zimbabwe’s becomes president. Some MDC-T supporters treat Tsvangirai like a God and use all sorts of foul language to verbally abuse those who speak against their president. This is very wrong. If such kind of fanaticism is not stopped it will become a deadly disease whose remedy is bloodshed, rape, corruption and all the bad things that we see in ZanuPF now. Zimbabwe doesn’t need this ZanuPF mentality anymore. Moreso there is only one God and treating leaders like God should be despised at all costs. If MDC-T is also fighting for real democracy then they should respect responsible freedom of speech and opinion by allowing us to free our voices and our minds. Sometime back some of the MDC-T supporters even threatened Viomak saying she should stop singing protest songs because the genre was for MDC-T supporters only.

For the above reason, Viomak said she also composed and wrote the song 6 na 9 which she compares to Zanu PF and MDC in order to highlight the similarities in the two parties’ differences. After listening to all the songs on the album, I am convinced that this type of music will open doors for artistic competence that doesn’t only reveal the significance of freedom of expression, but that also reveals the skill of knowing what to sing about and how to sing about it without fear. One only hopes that in case events go otherwise and allow Tsvangirai to fulfill his dream of becoming the president of Zimbabwe all protest musicians will be accorded the airplay they all deserve on state radio. With some singers’ airplay already guaranteed one starts wondering if non- partisan protest singers who sing about political thugs will be accorded the airplay that they also deserve as Zimbabwean singers. The more you tell the truth the more your enemies multiply, so they say. Time will tell.

The album is definitely a great and interesting innovation in a country where voices of the voiceless are repressed not only by ZanuPF and its bootlickers but also by some of Tsvangirai’s dedicated bootlickers, who Viomak calls the political thugs of tomorrow. In the song Mabhinya (Thugs), Viomak calls on Mugabe and Tsvangirai to control their thugs, many of who terrorise and verbally abuse those who speak against their presidents.

There are moments of great jubilation in the fourth song Mabhinya, when the high sounding rolls come to the fore as if signaling the thugs to be aware that they are being exposed. The vigorous rolls are immediately joined and overshadowed by a variety of other rhumba like sounds bringing the listener to a mini chimurenga mood .Viomak’s voice awakens to the extraordinary sounds and figures her starting point when her patient and soft voice is heard coming in between the hard drumbeats, in a lively and interesting manner giving the break instruments time to take her to the next verse. She repeatedly advises ZanuPF and MDC-T to control their thugs and thieves .Come to think of it. Who ever imagined that a Zimbabwean artist would ever highlight these issues in a song. As if worn down and irritated she explores the song in hidden anger showing her resentment of the two leaders’ leadership qualities. Mabhinya is most enthralling when Viomak is direct and fiery in her lyrics as the bass and brass remain solid to the end. The song will definitely provoke some people’s anger especially for the fact that Zimbabwean politicians and many of their supporters don’t accept criticism.

A happy and gripping track Johnnie Walker cruises as a radio friendly track that will make her fans wayward as they chant the vivacious chorus that repeats itself with flammable consistency, Memorandum yacho MOU yacho makasainira aniko (Who did you sign the MOU for).The song is smothered with inquisitive vocals that are laced with impressive harmonies befitting an energetic audience at a political gathering. As the song starts with marimba ,the whistling of the airy flute, coupled with a staccato style and a wonderful lead bring the song to a junior reggae beat, but maintains its preferred Zimbabwean beat .Johnnie walker is a sure case of Viomak’s music writing skills exhibited especially on this whole album. Blessed with a rich vocal range, the song is pleasing and a pleasure to listen to. The lyrics get people to a contagious dance and yes, they are appealing. Her marvelous duality as an artist, who combines her expertise as an educationist and singer could be one of the reasons why her music composition is awesome. She really is an interesting and passionate individual as she sounds in her songs, and her lyrics are a reflection of those qualities that distinguish her from others. Certain sections of the Zimbabwean society may think of her as a pain in the nerve or even a failed singer because she doesn’t fit into any of their expectations and interests , but there’s nothing awkward about the quality and style of her music and the depth of her passion and competence for what she does. The song Johnnie Walker was composed and written in such a jocular manner such that listeners will understand the strong message in the song without getting angry. The song was inspired by the six negotiators of MOU including MDC-T Tendai Biti and Priscilla Mushonga -Misihairabwi, who drank Johnnie walker wine (Johnnie Mufambi), and refused to stay in a three star hotel in South Africa where they had gone for a workshop , complaining that it was not luxurious enough , yet many Zimbabweans who they are promising heaven on earth, sleep in ground star hotels (outside), and drink home brewed beer like tototo, seven days and the poor man’s beer, scud.

As Viomak insists on defying the norm, she laments Tsvangirai’s failures in the song Dutch embassy. Many photos come to mind when you listen to this tune. The photos of the purported MDC-T injured supporters who thronged the MDC-T headquarters at Harvest house and the American embassy during the Zanupf mavhoterapapi reign of terror .What crosses one’s mind is that the MDC-T leader Tsvangirai was hiding in the Dutch embassy whilst his supporters like ill treated refugees squattered helplessly at the party’s offices as ZanuPF police officers tormented them. In the song Viomak sees the MDC leader as a father figure who should have been there for his children in their time of need. As the song commences she advises Tsvangirai to remember that as he signed the MOU agreement his supporters were beaten up, tortured and burnt. He should therefore be careful of dining with an unrepentant Mugabe who fooled Joshua Nkomo (Umdala Wethu) into signing a unity accord that never materialised. She chooses words like ‘kudzurudzuta mabhuku (scribbling books) to show that the MOU agreement is a non event that Tsvangirai should not have taken seriously, just like the scribbling of a young child in sand. The song is written and sung in such a fascinating tone that the adamant Tsvangirai will think twice about what he is doing if he gets the chance to listen to it.

Tipeiwo (May you give us) is another winner, with its joyful, percussion loaded fairy tale lyrics. It is the urgent, down to earth but persuasive religious vocals that hit the listener hard as the song portrays the desperate situation in Zimbabwe. The song shows that Viomak has no faith in men of this world to assist Zimbabweans, but has faith that God will answer if people call out His name for help. Tipeiwo is like honey in a cup of bitter tea, a remedy to comfort and heal the broken hearts in Zimbabwe. It leaves one in a poetic and prayerful mood. The song makes one feel like the heavens will open for God’s angels to touch down in Zimbabwe and assure Zimbabweans that the desires of their hearts will be accorded .The lively chorus sung in a cool, velvety voice is introduced through the use of rolls that transport the sing along chorus to the jovial instrument break .It looks like Viomak was again set to show that she is still heavily inclined to her chiBocha dialect even after having lived in the diaspora for close to seven years at time of writing this review. Tipeiwo appeals more to poor souls, Zimbabweans in solitary confinement, the neglected victims of torture and not forgetting the illegally imprisoned activists and all opposing voices that are silenced. For those who want to listen to music for it to fill their soul, and to speak to their souls the song Tipeiwo is captivating and spiritual enough to respect their inner demands. The song is different and makes an interesting listen. Viomak doesn’t add comedy to the lyrics most likely because she was talking and appealing to God for help. Tipeiwo is the only pure gospel song on the album, and it asks God to bless Zimbabwe with good leaders who are always there for the people of Zimbabwe, musicians who sing for the people of Zimbabwe, workers who work for the people of Zimbabwe, fighters who fight for the people of Zimbabwe, preachers who preach for the people of Zimbabwe and writers who are the voices of the voiceless who speak for the people of Zimbabwe.

The closing song Zimbabwe circus which is the title song is a simple narration of how Mugabe-Matibili, Tsvangirai, Mutambara, Makoni and Towungana all cross the circus bridge as political clowns. The song brings the album to a satisfying conclusion and unbelievable experience. Viomak is true to herself and sticks to what she dreams to achieve. She takes pride in the fact that she is doing what she thinks is right .She reminds me of a forwarded email that landed in my inbox sometime back that was encouraging people to Aspire to Inspire before they Expire. That’s what she does. The choral song is so straight forward but very deep in message. It sort of conceals Mugabe’s evilness by blaming his political rivals too, giving the ZanuPF troubled leader a seven minute glassy break from criticism targeted at him and his party. Obviously some listeners might start worrying about the lyrical content of this track and would like to question why Viomak says all Zimbabwe political leaders are clowns in a circus .She can be contacted through her website for those who are interested in knowing .It is not yet popular to be critical of the MDC-T more so artistically, but I’m sure in a couple of years to come it will be as common as despising Mugabe. In Viomak’s words, the title track Zimbabwe circus summarises the fact that Zimbabwe’s political mess is like a circus. Everything seems to be mixed up. Political parties are making a whole lot of errors, stupid and selfish decisions for personal gain. A lot is going on, so much that it is difficult to tell what will happen next. To sum it up, ZanuPF remains a party of unrepentant crooks and evil doers, but funny enough Morgan Tsvangirai and Arthur Mutambara agreed to talk with ZanuPF and signed the (MOU) agreement. Viomak sings that the signing of MOU is a circus on its own and criticises why ZanuPF, MDC-T and MDC should sign to agree to talk. As if that is not enough the talks included negotiators who were not voted for by the people. The fact that MDC Mutambara is involved in the talks makes Viomak wonder in song why there were votes in the first place if those who failed to qualify for the presidential run off are involved in the decision making negotiations. That said, Viomak wonders and narrates in song why Tsvangirai agreed to be involved in the political talks with ZanuPF that included loser Mutambara, only for his supporters to cry foul after rumours that Mutambara had signed a power sharing deal with Mugabe started spreading. It’s their entire leader’s fault who agreed to go ahead with the talks that allowed Mutambara to be part of the negotiations when he was not supposed to be in it according to the logic behind it all. So MDC-T supporters should stop terrorising and blaming Mutambara, but they should blame their leader for not querying Mutambara’s presence and involvement in the talks. The fact that Tsvangirai did not raise any concerns about it implies that all was good with involving Mutambara and making him eligible for any post granted to him by ZanuPF .It’s all mixed up and a senseless directionless circus sings Viomak. The lyrics of the song accord all the political leaders including Simbarashe Herbert Stanley Makoni president of Mavambo party a fair share of the circus cake, as the song unfolds. Zimbabwe Circus takes the trophy, for being a hive of truth and condemnation not only for the opposition party presidents but also for the MDC-T supporters who Viomak blame for being narrow minded intolerant political thugs just like ZanuPF political thugs. The lyrics which are pregnant with meaning are written in a jocular manner and that eases up stress. It is up to you to judge too. I have done my part. Happy listening to you all, enjoy.

• Memorandum of Misunderstanding (MOM)
• Gororiya
• 6na9 (Viomak’s favourite)
• Mabhinya
• Jonnie Walker
• Dutch Embassy
• Tipeiwo
• Zimbabwe Circus