Bhundu Boys

The Bhundu Boys were a Zimbabwean band that played a mixture of chimurenga music with American rock and roll, disco and pop influences. Their style became known as jit, and is quite popular across Africa, with some international success. Bhundu (meaning "Bush" or "jungle"), gave its name to the young boys who used to aid the nationalist guerilla fighters in the 1970s war against the white minority government. Lead singer Biggie Tembo (Biggie Rodwell Tembo Marasha) was just such a Bhundu boy.The Bhundu Boys recorded their first 7" vinyl single at Shed Studios in Harare on 1st February 1983, as part of the Studio's drive to sponsor more local music. They were one of a number of more adventurous bands that had not been contracted by the 2 record companies. Shed Studios was a collaboration between Steve Roskilly, Martin Norris and Bothwell Nyamhondera. The Bhundu Boys reached the top of the Zimbabwean music scene, with four number one hits ("Baba munini Francis", "Wenhamo haaneti", "Hatisitose", and "Tsvimbodzemoto") between 1981 and 1984. They attracted the attention of Gordon Muir, a Scottish concert promoter and his colleague, musician Champion Doug Veitch, who released an EP by the band in the UK in 1985. This attracted the attention of DJ's John Peel and Andy Kershaw who tirelessly promoted the band. Their album Shabini was released in 1986 and was one of the major independent sellers of the year, and one of Peel's all time favourite albums.
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