Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Khiama Boys - Kubva Kure (1990)

The Khiama Boys surfaced in 1988 and produced a series of albums throughout the next decade plus. Music built on energetic, harmonic singing, thumping beats and fast guitars, it reminds me of Bhundu Boys at their peak. No credits are given for the musicians, and as this recording took place as the band was going through some personnel changes, it is impossible for me to name them. The Music of Zimbabwe page has a brief discussion of the band, as well as a discography, and that may give some clues. At least four CDs were available for awhile, through Stern's, but they appear to be out-of-print now.

I am really enjoying my temporary immersion in Zimbabwe's dynamic music. There will be a few more records coming your way soon, but I recommend you snag this excellent, rare recording. Now.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

man u rock... am falling in love wiv da zimbo jams ...thx a million times

Apurva Bahadur said...

Sir - very good music. Many thanks for sharing. Apurva from Pune, India.

Rhythm Connection said...

Thanks for listening, and for the kind words!

Anonymous said...

Nice! The guys on the cover are Nicholas Zacharia and Alick Macheso.

Rhythm Connection said...

@ Anon: Thank you, thank you, for the added information.

Anonymous said...

The late System Tazvida was also part of the band at this time. Both him and Alick Macheso went on to become sungura superstars after leaving the Khiama Boys (System with the Chazezesa Challengers, Macheso with Orchestra Mberikwazvo). Nicholas Zacharia soldiered on as frontman for Nicholas Zacharia & The Khiama Boys, but the band was overshadowed by the defectors.