Compilation of tracks by Zig-Zag Band from Zimbabwe playing in Chigiyo style. Despite familiar to reggae listeners, this style is deeply rooted in Shona culture and the guitars are played in such a way as to mimic the traditional mbira scales. It's basically reggae but different. The band emerged in the early 1980s, a time when Zimbabwe was forging its post-independence identity, and quickly established itself as one of the country's most distinctive musical voices. Their early years included a notable stint as the backing band for Oliver Mtukudzi, contributing to the legendary Wavona LP. Their breakthrough came in 1987 with “Gomo Ramasare,” a track that not only launched them to national fame but became their enduring signature. Their 1989 debut album Child Survival/Chigamba marked a major milestone, followed by a series of respected releases. Another standout in their discography is the 1991 album Mudzimu Mukuru. The title track, a spiritually resonant call for ancestral guidance and protection, has since become a cornerstone of Zimbabwean music. Despite the loss of nearly all original members over the years, Zvamaida — now based in the U.S. and performing with Thomas Mapfumo's Blacks Unlimited — continues to carry the torch. As the last surviving founding member, he remains a guardian of Chigiyo, keeping its legacy alive for future audiences. (Banning Eyre / Analog Africa)
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Compilation of tracks by Zig-Zag Band from Zimbabwe playing in Chigiyo style. Despite familiar to reggae listeners, this style is deeply rooted in Shona culture and the guitars are played in such a way as to mimic the traditional mbira scales. It's basically reggae but different.
The band emerged in the early 1980s, a time when Zimbabwe was forging its post-independence identity, and quickly established itself as one of the country's most distinctive musical voices. Their early years included a notable stint as the backing band for Oliver Mtukudzi, contributing to the legendary Wavona LP. Their breakthrough came in 1987 with “Gomo Ramasare,” a track that not only launched them to national fame but became their enduring signature. Their 1989 debut album Child Survival/Chigamba marked a major milestone, followed by a series of respected releases.
Another standout in their discography is the 1991 album Mudzimu Mukuru. The title track, a spiritually resonant call for ancestral guidance and protection, has since become a cornerstone of Zimbabwean music.
Despite the loss of nearly all original members over the years, Zvamaida — now based in the U.S. and performing with Thomas Mapfumo's Blacks Unlimited — continues to carry the torch. As the last surviving founding member, he remains a guardian of Chigiyo, keeping its legacy alive for future audiences.
(Banning Eyre / Analog Africa)
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Tracklist
A1 Ndzirombi
A2 Chenaimoyo
A3 Mangaingai
B1 Tsvarakadenga
B2 Nyamutamba Nevamwe
B3 Ndoita Ripi Zano?
C1 Ndarimano
C2 Rudo Rwemari
C3 Pfumo Reropa
D1 Gomo Ramasare
D2 Mercy
D3 Mudzimu Mukuru
D4 Hombiro