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RECORDS: SHABINI TSVIMBODZEMOTO ABSOLUTE JIT - Live TRUE JIT PAMBERI FRIENDS ON THE ROAD OUT OF AFRICA
(Biggie Tembo) MUCHIYEDZA (OUT OF THE DARK) SHED SESSIONS
| Language: | Shona |
| Genre: | Jit |
| Instrument: | Male vocals Guitar Bass Drums |
Articles: Article Article 2 (remove "?lang=gb" in address line to read the text) On Biggie Tembo
In the 1980s’ Zimbabwe the Bhundu Boys created a style based on Thomas Mapfumo's "chimurenga" music that they blended with several other elements. They lean a little toward Euro-American fingerplay on guitars, a little soukous, and finally a touch of pop/disco, and there they have what they call "jit". They made their first disk in 1986. The music was noticed by the Scot, Gordon Muir, who invited the group to England. The tour lasted a year and Bhundu Boys signed a contract with Warner Brothers. Bhundu Boys, together with Kanda Bongo Man,
cleared the way in Europe for African pop music. They were also among the first to ride the crest of the "African Wave" and were among the first groups to be caught in the classic conflict between African roots and the commercial music industry in the 1980s. Their first two albums were recorded and produced in Harare, and the next two in Europe. The group endured a sad disruption in their careers when one of the founder members, Biggie Tembo, broke away and went solo at about the same time as the bass guitarist died of AIDS. Later on, Biggie Tembo committed suicide, something quite rare in Africa. This almost destroyed the band, but they have now reorganised and are again on the offensive under the leadership of their guitarist Rise Kagona. In 1997 they made a successful comeback tour of England and Scotland, playing to full houses in Glasgow and other cities.
Bhundu Boys are alive!
Relevant artists: Thomas Mapfumo Oliver Mtukudzi
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Last Modified:
22 nov 2009
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TSVIMBODZEMOTO
Disque Afrique/1987
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ABSOLUTE JIT - Live 
Disque Afrique/1987
On this disk, recorded at a concert in Glasgow, you get a good view of why the group always wins over its audiences. You’ll hear rhythmic, pulsating music performed with feeling and empathy. You’ll understand little of the Shona language lyrics, but the clear, rhythmic guitar playing makes the music so easily recognisable that you need no translation in order to understand. A close and synchronised bass/drum backing, together with solo voice alternating with precise vocal harmonies, complete the sound picture.
Bhundu Boys don't play "difficult" and inaccessible music.Their music is easy and airy, with pure, clear sounds and decipherable melodies. Their jit goes straight into the ears and down through the legs, and is one of the best introductions to African music you will find.
Sigbjørn Nedland
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Fresh, captivating guitar-based African pop/rock.Original arrangements and good melodies that swing. This starts off well, but the production could have been better - it doesn't sparkle like it should. Yet the album is better than the rumours would have you believe.
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FRIENDS ON THE ROAD 
Cooking Vinyl/1992
A weak pop-ish album that shows the world that the old heroes are in trouble.
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OUT OF AFRICA (Biggie Tembo) 
Cooking Vinyl/1993
A funny album, this; Biggie Tembo's first release after the break with Bhundu Boys. A more vocal-based disk than with Bhundu, and this is done with humour and style. Fascinating melodies with incredible changing rhythms on the same song; it sometimes sounds as if two songs are being played simultaneously. Biggie Tembo himself is not much of a vocalist. He sounds almost out of tune on many of the songs, but redeems himself in a notable fashion, nonetheless. Charming!
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MUCHIYEDZA (OUT OF THE DARK)
Cooking Vinyl/1997
Really a pleasant return of the old spark of Bhundus that have recaptured
their earlier quality after many years in crisis.This album is in fact very good, it’s been recorded with inspiration in Harare and mixed in London. Again, there are
the speedy guitar riffs from Rise Kagona who drives this music forward, especially on the opening track, "Kachembere", and not least on the album's final song "Misodzi Pamtama". Some of the best from the inspirational Bhundu Boys I’ve heard in years. The Boys sing and play well, bass, drums and bass create a tight and driven groove as Rise Kagona sometimes breaks out with sharp and agitated solo parts. The title of the album delivers what it promises. Welcome back!
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SHED SESSIONS 
Sadza Records/Sterns Africa/2001
The first two classic LPs transformed into a double CD, with bonus tracks. Simply a must have item!
KJØP PLATE Editor: Bjørn-Erik Hanssen
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