A Visually Challenged Visionary: Paul Matavire and the Love Song in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Arguably, no artiste in Zimbabwe has deployed more energy, expressive eloquence, and controversy on the theme of love than the verbally pyrotechnic Paul Matavire. Self-christened Dr Love, courtesy of “his ability to intricately explore various relationship scenarios,” Matavire firmly establishes himself as the indisputable virtuoso of romantic expression. He extensively appropriates and refashions Shona metaphorical resources to vividly portray topical love issues in Zimbabwe. Matavire assumes the role of devil’s advocate to satirise postcolonial Zimbabwean society’s love dilemmas in a way that excites introspection, debate, humour, and, at times, stark outrage. Love and materialism, pleasure versus principle, abuse of authority, and the objectification of women are among the recurring singing points in Paul Matavire’s love songs. This article critically analyses a selection of Paul Matavire’s songs to get a deeper understanding of topical love issues in Zimbabwe. However, it has to be disclosed from the onset that, in this study, the metaphor is only an accessory to the full comprehension of these issues, not the primary focus of the article. This qualitative study employs textual analysis to bring to the fore referential content imbedded in Matavire’s music. Songs with love themes are purposively selected and critically analysed to tease out topical love dilemmas confronting Zimbabweans.

Keywords:

• love
• materialism
• metaphor
• music
• satire