THE BHUNDU BOYS - New Album released 16th July 2001

For all African Music Fans, and other nostalgic sorts with fond memories of glittering guitars, achingly beautiful harmonies and classic, dance-till-you-drop gigs in the late 80s, at long last...

BHUNDU BOYS - THE SHED SESSIONS

For the first time together, all the recordings from their early days at Shed Studios in Harare, laid down between August 1982 and October 1986. This year sees the 15th anniversary of the bands first trip to these shores, when they captivaive new dance music, the trail for what later became known as "world music". The Bhundu Boys were the first African band to play extensively across the country, regularly notching up 80 or 90 date tours. Despite current problems at home, the Bhundu Boys very name reflects the pride they have in their country, the original "Bhundu (bush) Boys" being the bush guerrillas who fought in the bloody war of independence in the 70s. "We are as old as our country" is how Rise Kagona, founder of the group, puts it. The band arose from the seeds of local groups like The Wild Dragons and the Black Superstars, learning their craft on Harare's nightclub circuit. In a political atmosphere where homegrown African music was still considered revolutionary, they performed with borrowed gear, originally covering western pop. The band were one of the first to attack the UK market and in 1987 went top of the indy charts with the Zimbabwean recorded "Shabini" and "Sticks of Fire" albums, now being re-released as a deluxe 29 track double-album called "The Shed Sessions" which is out now!

But now back for another dance floor burn-up, with three of the original five members, including group founder and lead guitarist Rise Kagona, the Bhundu Boys are still a force to be reckoned with.