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Zimbabwe music diaspora is not home viomak
Viomak Violet Makunike (born in Mutare, Manicaland) is a controversial female Zimbabwean protest musician, political activist and human rights defender. Viomak lives in Britain following a successful claim for political asylum.
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Music censorship
Viomak's music is banned from state-owned radio in Zimbabwe. It can be obtained from hideout areas in Zimbabwe. Some recording companies in Zimbabwe refused to accept her music. Viomak has been likened to opposition activists and journalists, who are being harassed and arrested under laws such as POSA.
John Mokwetsi, Entertainment Editor of the Independent Standard Weekly, said local broadcasters seem to have "shut out protest music and drama altogether." Despite the lack of media exposure, protest plays are still being staged and protest music is still being heard. Mokwetsi said that being banned, in fact, could make artists more popular:
"There is an element of fear in people's reluctance to do so, although musicians here are used to speaking in riddles, their words carrying hidden meanings that people understand but which aren't explicitly critical. Many of us believe musicians should be more direct in telling it like it is. . . . If our musicians sing about society, then surely there is no way they can avoid political matters. They should be social and political commentators too."
In May 2007 Viomak set up the Servants of Truth Band in Britain composed of seven well known Zimbabwean musicians. Most of the backing group members have played with other well known Zimbabwean musicians. Viomak has shifted from the usual style of protest music by the likes of chimurenga guru Thomas Mapfumo and a few others who sing in riddles against Robert Mugabe's governance. Viomak sings direct and mentions Mugabe's name in her lyrics a thing no other musician has done in Zimbabwe.
On 10 March 2007 Viomak performed at a rally to mark the suffering of Zimbabwean women who cannot afford sanitary wear.
Voto Internet radio station
On 18 April 2008, Zimbabwe's Independence Day, Viomak and her manager launched an Internet radio station, "Voto" (Voices of the Oppressed). The station airs only Zimbabwe protest art with the aim to focus on the importance of freedom of musical expression in a country where opposing voices are severely oppressed.
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Education
Viomak holds a B.A General Degree (University of Zimbabwe), Graduate Certificate in Education (University of Zimbabwe), Diploma in Educational Foundations (University of Zimbabwe), Masters of Education-Educational Psychology (Canada).