System Tazvida and the Chazezesa Challengers
(also known as Boyz dzeSmoko)
Biography -- Discography

Biography

members include:
Fanuel 'System' Tazvida (vocals, guitar; B: 1968, D: 1999)
Peter Tazvida (vocals, bass; B: 1972, D: 2002)
LeeRoy Lunga (guitar; B: 1974)
Lucky Mumriki (percussion; B: 1979)
Boysen 'Wezhira' Shoko (drums; D: 2000)

The Chazezesa Challengers formed in 1993 under the direction of Fanuel 'System' Tazvida in Chitungwiza, a Harare sattelite town. System, a Khiama Boys alumnus, grew sick of not receiving his fair share of royalties and decided to form his own band. Both his stints in Khiama Boys and the Sungura Boys had ended without any financial compensation. He recruited some experienced musicians, including his bassist brother Peter. The band of five are veterans of the Zimbabwe music scene. System Tazvida had previously played with the Khiama Boys, the Mabhauwa Express and the Sungura Boys. His brother Peter is a Nyami Nyami Sounds alumnus. Guitarist LeeRoy Lunga had played with both the Super Sounds and the Kasongo Band, while percussionist Lucky Mumiriki had experience with the Hurungwe Sounds and the Sungura Boys.

The group successfully mixed elements of sungura, jazz, South African mbaqanga and traditional sounds, creating an appealing and popular blend. The Chazezesa Challengers produced a string of hit albums in the mid-to-late 1990s; their debut, Rudo Tsika Nemagariro, sold more than 20 000 copies, while Mutunhu Unemago topped 30 000. Some of their top songs include Anodyiwa Haature, Mabhauwa, and Vaforomani. The Challengers were known for their humourous lyrics and satirical subjects. The band also toured in Mozambique, where they were popular.

Tragically, the band experienced two deaths in quick succession, as drummer Wezhira Shoko and talismanic leader System Tazvida both died near the turn of the millennium. The group has continued without System and Wezhira. Since thier deaths they have produced three albums, including the tribute record Panopfungaira Pane Moto in honour of their former leader. The band has also assumed a new name, Boyz dzeSmoko, in which "Smoko" is a unique acronym for their self-titled style of music. Unfortunately, System's successor and younger brother Peter died in 2002. This, however, has not stopped the group. Under the leadership of Lee Roy Lunga, the boys released their twelfth album, Smoko Pachena/Chabvondoka, in December of 2002.

The Chazezesa Challengers operate a variety of community projects in Zimbabwe. In addition to operating their own soccer team for the unemployed, the group owns runs a a children's club, their own studios, and mechanic business.

Discography

Smoko Pachena/Chabvondoka	Gramma	2002
Chadzera Chemoto	Gramma	2001
Smoko Collection	Gramma	2001
Panopfungaira Pane Moto	Gramma	2000
Rimi Remoto	Gramma	1999
Huni Nyoro Mumoto	Gramma	1998
Best of...Singles Collection	Gramma
Wazosvorwa	Gramma	1997
Wadenha Mago	Gramma	1996
Mutunhu Unemago	Gramma	1995
Rwendo Rweupenyu	Gramma	1994
Rudo Tsika Nemagariro	Gramma	1993

Rudo Tsika Nemagariro

Released:  1993
Label: Gramma
Format: Cassette
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The Challengers first Gramma release, Rudo Tsika Nemagariro eventually sold over 20 000 copies.

Released:  1994
Label: Gramma
Format: Cassette
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Includes Mushandi Ndimambo and Chindidawo.

Mutunhu Unemago

Released:  1995
Label: Gramma
Format: Cassette
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A 30 000-plus seller, the album includes the hit Anodyiwa Haature.

Released:  1996
Label: Gramma
Format: Cassette
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Includes Smoko.

Released:  1997
Label: Gramma
Format: Cassette
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Stocked by: BrownSugarWeb

Includes Vanoti Pedzera Mashoko.

Best of Tazvida Irombe Wezhira: Singles Collection

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Label: Gramma
Format: Cassette
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Released as a cassette by Gramma, this is the Challengers' first Best of... release, concentrating on the hit singles from their first five albums.

Huni Nyoro Mumoto

Released:  1998
Label: Gramma
Format: Cassette
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Includes the hit Dai Hanzvadzi Yairoorwa.

Rimi Remoto

Released:  1999
Label: Gramma
Format: Cassette
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Includes Kaserura Ndizvo and Ndiridze Mhere.

Collection

Released:  2001
Label: Gramma
Format: CD
Running Time:  8 tracks
Stocked by:  Zimsounds

I'm not sure which collection this is, but it has recently been released by Gramma Records as a Best of... compilation in memory of their late singer System Tazvida.

Chadzera Chemoto

Released:  2001
Label: Gramma
Format: Cassette, CD
Running Time: at least 5 tracks.
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Includes songs such as Shainai Zvenyu, Abhindanko Ekurarama, Hupenyu Hwakaoma, Dai Zvaunondiitira, Zvinangwa Zvemunhu as well as others.

Released:  2002
Label: Gramma
Format: Cassette, CD
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Despite being the first release since the death of Peter Tazvida, the boys have continued in the tradition of their late leaders. Under the leadership of Lee Roy Lunga the group has maintained their humourous lyrics, as well as adding a horn section. Songs include Kamusena and Unondida Here?.