Michael Raeburn | |
---|---|
Born | 22 January 1943 or 1948 Cairo, Egypt |
Nationality | Zimbabwean |
Alma mater | University of Rhodesia,London |
Occupation | Filmmaker |
Michael Raeburn (22 January 1943 [1] or 1948 [2] ) is a Zimbabwean filmmaker.
Raeburn's mother was partly Egyptian and his father was British. [3] Born in Cairo, Egypt, Raeburn lived in Rhodesia from the age of three. He studied at the University of Rhodesia, University of London and University of Aix-en-Provence.
After making his satirical 1969 film Rhodesia Countdown (Directors' Fortnight Cannes), he was declared a prohibited immigrant in Rhodesia, and spent twelve years in exile. [4]
Living in London, Raeburn met James Baldwin in 1974. The pair became friends, and on-off lovers, and in 1977 began working together on a movie adaptation of Giovanni's Room . [5] Marlon Brando agreed to play the part of Guillaume, and Robert De Niro also showed interest in the project. At Baldwin's 53rd birthday in 1977, guests were told that the film was going to be made. However, Raeburn eventually gave up the project, frustrated at financial demands made by Baldwin's agent. [6] [7]
Zimbabwean music is heavily reliant on the use of instruments such as the mbira, Ngoma drums and hosho. Their music symbolizes much more than a simple rhythm, as the folk and pop style styled music was used as a symbol of hope for Zimbabweans looking to gain independence from Rhodesia. Music has played a significant role in the history of Zimbabwe, from a vital role in the traditional Bira ceremony used to call on ancestral spirits, to protest songs during the struggle for independence. The community in Zimbabwe used music to voice their resistance to their oppression, as one of the only weapons they had available to fight back with. In the eighties, the Music of Zimbabwe was at the center of the African Music scene thanks to genres such as Sungura and Jit. However, several performers were banned by state TV and radio leading to the closing of several music venues.
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