Bhundu Boys

Zimbabwean Jit Music Pioneers

Founded by guitarist Rise Kagona in April 1980 and fronted by Biggie Tembo, Bhundu Boys were a hugely successful Zimbabwean guitar/rock/folk band. The band is named after the previous occupation of their charismatic frontman, songwriter and lead singer: "bhundu boys" (bhundu = bush) were largely underage runners/messengers for the guerillas during the liberation struggle at the time. The band scored an unprecendented four number-one singles between 1981 and 1984, which got the attention of the international media. Travelling to Scotland in 1986 and championed and promoted by the likes of Elvis Costello, John Peel, Andy Kershaw, and Eric Clapton, the band even got as far as opening for Madonna at Wembley Stadium on three nights in 1987. However, their new and more westernised sound didn't find as much favour with audiences as their past offerings, and following some disapproved shenanigans by Biggie Tembo and his subsequent firing from the band in 1990 and then the deaths of other members, the group slowly lost momentum and disappeared from the scene. In 2001, a compilation of songs recorded at Harare's Shed Studios between 1982 and 1986 titled "The Shed Sessions" was released.