John Edmond is a Rhodesian-born singer and songwriter. He has released over 40 albums and 20 singles in his musical career spanning over five decades. Edmond still records and performs music to this day while also operating a game preserve/resort. Due to the time difference and logistical complexities, all the responses were written by John Edmond, nothing has been edited, except to fit the formatting of the article. In this interview, Edmond discusses his musical career, life in Rhodesia, Marxism’s legacy in Africa, and more!
Q: You began playing music at a very young age and were active in an assortment of musical groups throughout your education, into your service in the Rhodesia Regiment, and beyond. Could you describe how you decided to become a career musician; whether there was a particular moment that crystalized this path or something more gradual?
A: Although as a youth I sang in choirs, played harmonica, bugle, bagpipes and drums, loved my drumming and became the South African champion pipe band drummer, it was only when I was 21 that I bought my first guitar. I made up parodies and little songs to entertain my fellow troops in the evenings and on patrols on the Congo border and only started writing real songs when I was about 29. During and after my initial service in the Royal Rhodesia Regiment on the Congo border and during the unrest in Northern Rhodesia, I trained as a computer analyst/programmer- in the UK for a while. I then immigrated to South Africa at the breakup of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland. It was in 1965 and Northern Rhodesia became Zambia. For 2 years I worked in I.T. for a large commercial company in Johannesburg. Whilst singing as a part time musician and peddling my songs to record companies and recording artists, I wrote “The UDI Song” for folksinger Nick Taylor. The controversial but factual song hurt the British government and Nick was almost stripped of his British citizenship because of it a large record label /music Publisher Company then offered me a post as professional manager. I worked for them for 16 years and when they sold their company I decided to go “on the road” and go it alone – hence my own music publishing company Roan Antelope Music. The prevailing Bush War and my previous military involvement resulted in me being called back to Rhodesia as an armed morale-boosting entertainer. This inspired me to write on subjects and experiences that moved me deeply. The “Troopiesongs” Volumes 1-4 series and ”The UDI Song” I would say were instrumental in the watershed of my career. And it all happened suddenly!
Q: Over the course of your extensive discography, you’ve covered a significant range of musical styles and subjects – are there any songs that you are especially proud of, or which stick out to you as particularly memorable?
A: As I mentioned earlier “The UDI Song” which I also later recorded, was part of the watershed of my career and having about 500 of my own songs recorded by various artists and myself it is difficult to say which one is particularly memorable “Agysymban Trilogy” tells the tale of Rhodesia from early times to Zimbabwe. “Down the River” tells of the betrayal of the Western Powers. “When are you coming home Shamwari?” was often played on The Voice of America and was a favourite of black Zimbabwean exiles living abroad- It was even recorded in Shona by the MDC Choir (Movement for Democratic Change)- The embattled opposition party to ZANU PF. I am also very proud that the Texan 124th Cavalry Regiment commissioned me to write them a regimental song – “The 124th Cavalry Regiment Lives on” The result was that my wife and I (who both served in the Air Wing of our local commando/citizen force) have been made honorary members of the regiment. The 124th fought with distinction in Burma in WW2 and in Iraq as an armoured car regiment. I could also mention that it was an especially proud moment for me as an artist when I represented South Africa in the 1970 Tokyo World Song Festival at the Budokan Hall in front of an audience of 1500 people and many millions of TV viewers with a song called “Round and around” This song was not written by myself but by Terry Dempsey, a former Rhodesian Light Infantry soldier.
Q: Over 40 years after Rhodesia ceased to be, a significant part of the nation’s legacy is tied to its music and musicians, most notably: yourself, Clem Tholet, David Scobie, and Mike Westcott and the Leprechaun. Why do you think that Rhodesian music has been able to have such a lasting impact?
A: The Rhodesians grew up on my and other composers’ music. It was written about the people and for the people so they identify with the songs. Most of the men, fathers, like in my song “Dads Army” and sons served in the Bush war and my music kept them going; they remember moments and times where I entertained them in the operational area around campfires to boost them and keep them going like the songs “Back in the Sticks”, “Pick yourself up” and “The Whistling Troopie” The music was really part and parcel of their lives; good memories and bad and when Rhodesians both black and white had to leave Rhodesia/Zimbabwe for economic or political reasons they took with them their favourite songs, not only mine but other artists’ like you have mentioned in your question. At the time it was on tape, vinyl or just tunes they remembered in their heads; just as the Irish, Scots, English, Dutch, French or whoever took their traditional songs to the far reaches of the world through the years. Hence the formation of Rhodesian organisations and gatherings around the world today. They often call on me to rekindle the spirit of days gone by – often requesting “Rhodesians of the World” and “God’s Country” The folk love to gather and talk about days gone by; when we did this and when we did that….. “The Whenwe Song”
I have also written songs for each and every regiment that was part of the bush war; like the BSAP that was going to celebrate their 130th year of formation, to be held in Brisbane in September 2020. It was going to be a huge international, gathering for 4 days. I was invited to entertain on two of the evenings but due to COVID-19 everything had to be cancelled.- Rhodesians love to gather in what they call their national costume of veldskoens (Bush shoes), shorts with a chibuli (a beer) in hand around a “braai fire” (a barbeque). This was the lifestyle in Rhodesia with some music in the background. I believe the reason that young folk today can identify with my music that was written so long ago is the fact that it talks and tells about true life experiences. Times have changed and peoples’ lifestyles change but we all have the same emotions now and then during good times, bad times or even in a war. I was fortunate to be at the” sharp-end” and share in those experiences of some very young troopies, some only 17 years of age and capture their feelings in song; never dreaming that it would have such an impact on peoples’ lives and stand the test of time. I am very grateful and trust it has a positive influence on sons and daughters all over the world still today.
Q: On the subject of musicians, do you have any thoughts which you would like to share regarding any of the aforementioned musicians (or any that were not mentioned)?
A: Indeed Rhodesia provided quality songwriters, musicians AND authors. Of course my late dear friend Clem Tholet was the best (Hear my tribute song) “I remember Clem” together with Andy Dillon, compatriot from my Northern Rhodesian hometown, Luanshya, wrote the unofficial Rhodesian anthem “Rhodesians never Die”. Other great singer/songwriters were the likes of Sheila Gray Taylor. Iconic musicians and singers were David Scobie, jazz man Hennie Bekker and jazz singer Judy Page. Of course Mike Westcott was a TV and Radio star as well as a great entertainer. There are too many to list. And authors? Wilbur Smith was born in Broken Hill (Kabwe) Northern Rhodesia.
Q: You were born in Northern Rhodesia but attended schools in Northern Rhodesia, South Africa, and Scotland. Do you feel that having spent time internationally at a young age helped to form your worldview, and if so, how?
A: My world view was definitely expanded by growing up in the Northern Rhodesian Bush and often visiting Tanganyika. Straight after WW2 I accompanied my mother for medical treatment to Edinburgh while my dad stayed on to work in the mines. For two years I experienced the aftermath of that devastating war; sunken ships, bombed buildings and food rationing. Eating horse meat, whale steaks and seagulls’ eggs. The closest I got to candy was liquorice roots, sherbet and broken biscuits at a penny a packet. Boarding school in South Africa for 6 years was strict but good – A School with all Irish teachers. I only came home twice a year and 4 days and nights on a train to get there and back the same.
Q: The preamble to the Rhodesian Unilateral Declaration of Independence:
“Whereas in the course of human affairs history has shown that it may become necessary for a people to resolve the political affiliations which have connected them with another people and to assume amongst other nations the separate and equal status to which they are entitled: And Whereas in such event a respect for the opinions of mankind requires them to declare to other nations the causes which impel them to assume full responsibility for their own affairs:”
And the United States Declaration of Independence:
“When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.”
Use very similar wording. From this document, and some contemporary accounts, one might reach the conclusion that Rhodesia saw itself as “cut from similar cloth” to the United States of America. What is your perception of the similarities or differences between the two nations (culturally, politically, etc.)?
A: Although the preamble of Rhodesia’s Unilateral Declaration of Independence is similar in wording to that of the US, Rhodesia and the US do have some similarities in that both countries were ruled by Britain. However, demographically they were different. In Rhodesia the indigenous peoples were far in the majority of the mainly Anglo Saxon Colonists but the Matabele tribe that dominated the pastoral Mashona were subdued by sheer firepower and the colonists ruled. The American pioneers by all accounts had done similarly. The US also had the issue of slavery to deal with. There was also a large time frame gap- USA Independence from Britain was in 1776 and Rhodesia’s was 179 years later in 1965. The common similarity was that Rhodesia like the US did not want to be ruled by Britain. In 1923 Rhodesia had similar dominion status to Canada, Australia and New Zealand and had a right to choose its own destiny.
I have not studied the original and subsequent US constitutions in depth so cannot comment but the Rhodesian declaration included all peoples and the revised constitution of Rhodesia in 1961 guaranteed majority rule in 10 to 15 years and enshrined all creeds and colours. Rhodesia wanted to prepare responsible leaders for the future. This revised constitution was signed by African leaders and Britain. At Rhodesian UDI, a committee was formed to examine preambles of previous similar declarations – The US one was the most appropriate.
Q: On the topic of America and Rhodesia, the US’s and UK’s refusal to intervene in the Bush War (in contrast to the USSR, which provided material support for ZANLA and ZIPRA) is often credited as a determining factor in the defeat of Rhodesia by the communists. Do you – and the Rhodesian diaspora more generally – consider this lack of involvement to be a betrayal by the West, or is your perception of it more forgiving?
A: In 1953 the Federation of the two Rhodesia’s and Nyasaland was formed. It was a similar Federation to the US and Australia. Originally it was blessed by Britain and 10 years later destroyed by them. It held great promise for all its peoples. Communist propaganda’s powers accused Rhodesia of perpetuating white minority rule hence the birth of African despotic nationalists; Banda, Kaunda, Mugabe and the like. Britain stood by and watched the communists, who ironically with no democracy in their own states, as they supported and rushed the unprepared African Nationalists into majority rule culminating in one-party type takeovers, massive self-enrichment and mal-administration. Britain also stood by watching the shooting down of two Rhodesian civilian airliners by Russian missiles and the killing of survivors. My song “The Deafening Silence” depicts these tragic events. Britain betrayed Rhodesia twice- at Federation and during the Bush War.
Incidentally Rhodesia was not defeated militarily. It was politically destroyed. A line from my song “Northern Boy” says “On the battlefield we won the day, but a political bomb blew us all away”.
Q: ZANLA and ZIPRA – the terror groups which fought against Rhodesia during the Bush War – were both Soviet-supported Marxist organizations. After Rhodesia became Zimbabwe-Rhodesia, and subsequently Zimbabwe, Marxist-Leninists took control of the nation. Do you feel that the current state of Zimbabwe is representative of the legacy of Marxism in Africa?
A: The lesson of Zimbabwe should be learned by the weak West who were brokers of the hand over to a party that destroyed a beautiful land and its peoples; that party also committed genocide on a massive scale on those of the Matabele tribe who were political opponents of Mugabe. The perpetrators were Mugabe’s Fifth Brigade trained in North Korea; indeed the legacy of Marxism.
Q: Since a large part of this interview is on Rhodesia, it’s worthwhile to preempt the inevitable issue of race and Rhodesia. Some call Rhodesia an oppressive apartheid state, others say it was imperfect but improving, still others claim that it was one of the best countries in Africa for people of all races. Could you describe the significance of race in Rhodesia and how you view it looking back?
A: Communist Propaganda again will dub Rhodesia as an oppressive apartheid state. May I remind readers that Rhodesia was well aware that majority rule was inevitable, the constitution enshrined “Impeded progress to Majority rule” Sir Roy Welensky, last Prime minister of the Federation quoted “Progress through evolution-not revolution”. Rhodesia was the breadbasket of Africa with wonderful infrastructure, race relations and a future for all. As an international traveller I voted it the finest country in the world in which to live. And yes, there were, as in every country in the world, racist incidents and remarks from both sides. Radical blacks called whites “Colonial White pigs” and some whites disrespected Black tribal customs and culture unfortunately using colour as a yardstick. Bitterness was caused as there were also many black on white atrocities.
Q: This last question is fairly open-ended, but is there any message that you would like to pass on to the readers, be it political, personal, etc.?
A: My parting shot is, the Rhodesian Bush war was not a black-white conflict. 80%, yes repeat 80% of our armed forces were black and many of them made the supreme sacrifice. Rhodesians should not be construed as white supremacists. Personally, my views come through in my songs eg. “Askari”. “Kashile”, “Nobody was there”, “Warriors Bold” and many others.
Hopefully the continuation of my autobiography, my second book “Bushcat Two” will be released in 2021 where I will describe African developments that unfolded during my lifetime.
