In 1991, I bought my first CDs in a music store in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Among them were albums from The Beatles, Kenny Rogers, CCR, and, in the African section, two iconic Zimbabwean artists: Thomas Mapfumo’s Hwa-Hwa and The Bhundu Boys’ Shabben. At that time, only these two Zimbabwean artists were available internationally on CD.
By Tawanda Kajawu
Let me take a moment to acknowledge Rise Kagona, who stands among Zimbabwe’s greatest musicians. The Bhundu Boys, often hailed as Zimbabwe’s equivalent of rock stars, sit at the pinnacle of our music history. Born on May 17, 1962, in Malawi as Rice Kagona, later changing his name to Rise, he was the founder and leader of the Bhundu Boys—despite popular belief that Biggie Tembo, the charismatic frontman, held that role. Kagona and Kenny Chitsvatsva are the only surviving members of the original band. Together, the Bhundu Boys accomplished something extraordinary, becoming the first African band to tour the world extensively and establish themselves in the UK. They even opened for Madonna at one point and were signed to Warner Bros. Records.
DJ Andrew Keyshew once remarked that, at their peak, the Bhundu Boys were “the single most natural, effortless, catchy pop band” he had ever heard. The BBC’s John Peel was so moved by their live performance that he famously broke down in tears.
The band’s name came from the word bhundu—meaning “bush” or “jungle”—referencing the young boys who assisted guerrilla fighters during the Zimbabwean liberation war, the vana mujibha and chimbwido. Biggie Tembo himself was a Bhundu boy. Additionally, the name carried a reference to their humble origins as garden boys.
Despite their immense success, the Bhundu Boys’ journey was marred by misfortune. Exploited by poor management, they became pioneers in another tragic sense: they were among the first known Zimbabwean public figures to contract and die of HIV/AIDS. David Mankaba, fondly known as Sibali, died of AIDS at just 31, and their legacy includes being a cautionary tale about the dangers of fame, drugs, and the difficulties of life abroad.
In 1994, after the band broke up, Rise Kagona attempted to revive the Bhundu Boys with a new lineup, producing the hit single Nhamo Yamakandipa Mhai, but the magic didn’t last. Internal conflicts, particularly between Rise and Biggie Tembo, had taken their toll on the group. Sadly, the band’s story ended in heartbreak, with members falling victim to suicide, illness, and poverty. A few years ago, I spotted Rise Kagona in Scotland, where he had settled. Although I was cautioned against approaching him—he was known to avoid discussing his Bhundu Boys days—seeing him brought back memories of his incredible contributions to Zimbabwean music. I last saw him performing with friends at a pub, a far cry from the glory days of arena shows.
The Bhundu Boys’ story is like that of a firstborn who shows great promise in youth but loses their way later in life. Though their fame dwindled in Zimbabwe, they authored the soundtrack to a generation’s party life, from Harare’s vibrant nightclubs to the colorful gatherings in the UK. Their albums Tsvimbo dzeMoto and Shabben are timeless, encapsulating the late ’80s and early ’90s, and the band took the Zimbabwean Jit genre to the global stage.
The Bhundu Boys’ Global Success and Tragic End: A Reflection on Zimbabwean Music History.”
The Bhundu Boys laid the groundwork for every Zimbabwean artist who followed. Today, when I hear Baba Harare’s music, I’m reminded of those joyful times and the legacy of this incredible band. They were even favorites of former President Robert Mugabe, performing at the State House until their song Kutambura—which expressed their disappointment with post-independence Zimbabwe—caused a rift.
Rise Kagona will forever be counted among Zimbabwe’s music legends like James Chimombe, Leonard Dembo, Solomon Skhuza, Thomas Mapfumo, Lovemore Majaivana, and Oliver Mtukudzi. These are our national treasures, musical maestros whose contributions endure. Though Rise has passed, his music lives on.
Bhundu Boys made timeless music. They took Zimbabwean music to the world” Plot Mhako
Some of my favorite Bhundu Boys hits include:
- Babamunini Francis
- Hupenyu Hwangu
- Hatizi Tose naChipo
- Pachedu
- Manhega
- Kuroja Chete
- Faka Pressure
- Chitima Kwekwe
- Jekesa
- Kutambura
- Wafungei
- Pombi
- Jit Jive
- Mainini
Rest in peace, Rise Kagona. The music never stops.
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