Chris Gudu Band (Zimbabwe)

Chris Gudu’s music is known back in his homeland in the southern part of Africa as ‘umbaqanga’ music or township jive, as it better known the world over. Umbaqanga music originates from the streets and shebeens of Soweto, South Africa, spreading all through and across southern Africa. He mixes his township jive with a little bit of some Nigerian ‘juju’ grooves. Chris has shared his musical journey with some of the highly acclaimed African international artists such as Hugh Masekela, Angelique Kidjo and Vusi Mahlasela. It has also included some of the legendary greats to come out of his own country such as Oliver Mtukudzi, Alec Macheso and Thomas Mapfumo.

Chris Gudu was born in Zimbabwe where he grew up singing in church with his mother, sisters and brothers. Chris started his singing career at a very early age when he featured in almost anything musical at school.

Chris Gudu was proudly described by his record company as their “leading artist who presented an original sound, marketable world wide”. His style is impressive and unique and after their recent tour of Australia with Hugh Masekela, Chris Gudu and his band were invited by Richard Branson’s team to travel to South Africa to take part in the launch of V-Australia from Melbourne to Johannesburg.

The five piece Chris Gudu Band comprises two guitars, bass, drums and percussion. They are set to rock the New Zealand audience with several tunes from the forthcoming album as well as the current album titled ‘Bavimbeni’. After reviewing Bavimbeni, Limelight magazine (the Australian Broadcasting Commission’s national publication), stated that “Chris Gudu is an essential part of the Australian World Music scene.”

As a follow up album to Bavimbeni, Chris Gudu is proud to announce that the release of his forthcoming album coincides with the New Zealand tour prior to the extensive tour of Australia, Africa and Europe.