Biography

B: Mazowe, Zimbabwe - 1957
D: Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe - 1999
photo © Fred Hines

One of the stars of Zimbabwe's sungura scene, John Chibadura's beautiful mix of reggae and jit ensured that he would remain a success for decades. Growing up herding goats for his father, John became a truck driver after leaving school. Moving to Harare in 1980 proved to be his inspiration, as soon after seeing local acts play in bars John decided to try his hand at music.

A Sungura Boys alumnus, Chibadura eventually started his own band and immediately hit the charts with his first single Upenyu Hwandinetsa. Backed by the Tembo Brothers band, he scored more hits in 1983, and his albums Mudzimo Wangu (1985), 5000$ Kuroora (1986), and Sara Ugarike (1987) all went gold. 1988's reggae masterpiece Zuva Refuka Kwangu turned out to be an absolutely massive hit and has been his most successful release. Chibadura joined Zimbabwe's ever-growing foreign legion in the late 80s as he toured the UK. Despite his success, John remained in Zimbabwe.

At the time of his death in 1999, Chibadura had released 25 gold albums. Known as "Mr. Chitungwiza", John's popularity spanned all of Southern Africa, including Malawi, Botswana, and South Africa. Chibadura remains one of Zimbabwe's most popular musicians and his presence will be sorely missed. John is well-served by four compilations.

Discography (limited) The Great Mr. Chitungwiza Gramma 2001 The Best of John Chibadura ZMC 2001 More of the Essential... ZMC 1990 Pitikoti Government     Mune Majerasi     Ndirimuhondo     Munhu Hana Chakanaka     The Essential John Chibadura CSA (CD5002) 1989 Pfuma Yenhaka Gramma (TEC2603) 1989 Midzimu Yangu (Best of) ZMC 1988 Zuva Refuka Kwangu   1988 Sara Ugarike ZMC 1987 5000$ Kuroora ZMC 1986 Mudzimo Wangu   1985 Kugarika Tange Nhamo ZMC 1982 Upenyu Hwandinetsa   1981

Compilation Appearances Zimbabwe Frontline Three Vengai Zvenyu Nhamo Ndipeiwo Chikomborero Pfuma Yenhaka Jit Soundtrack Zuva Refuka Kwangu Sound Offerings Baba Wabaya

Natari lists Kugarika Tange Nhamo, Mune Majerasi, Ndirimuhondo, and Pitikoti Government as available LPs.

Midzimu Yangu

Released: 1988
Label: ZMC
Format: LP
Running Time: 4 tracks
Stocked by:

Munhu Hana Chakanaka

Released:
Label:
Format: LP
Running Time: 6 tracks
Stocked by: Natari

5000$ Kuroora

Released: 1986
Label: Gramma
Format: LP / CD
Running Time: 6 tracks
Stocked by: Natari

Pfuma Yenhaka

Released: 1989
Label: Gramma - TEC2603
Format: Cassette
Running Time: 6 tracks
Stocked by:

The Essential John Chibadura

Released: 1989
Label: CSA - CD5002
Format: LP, Cassette, CD
Running Time: 12 tracks.
Stocked by: one LP copy via GEMM

Classic album which is out of print - thankfully, I managed to get my hands on a used copy. The album is a good introduction to his work. Songs vary from the mbira-influenced (and Bhundu Boy-esque) Nhamo Yatakawona, and evolve into classic Chibadura guitar songs by the midpoint of the album. Linda, 5000$ Kuroora, and Shirah are classic cuts. If you find this album on the internet for sale, please let me know so I can post it here.

More of the Essential John Chibadura and the Tembo Brothers

Released: 1990
Label: CSACD 5004
Format: CD
Running Time: 58 minutes, 13 tracks.
Stocked by: out of print

Finding the follow up to Chibadura's first "best of" compilation up for purchase is definitely rare. Contains the reggae mega-hit Zuva Refuka Kwangu, alongside other notables such as Munhu Hana Chakanaka, Evelin, and Mudzimu Yangu. Also out of print.

The Best of John Chibadura

Released: 1996
Label: ZMC
Format: CD
Running Time: 70 minutes, 10 tracks.
Stocked by: Dandemutande, Stern's, Natari, Zimsounds

A third Best Of... compilation showcasing John's prolific career. In my opinion, this is the weakest of his four compilations.

The Great Mr. Chitungwiza

Released: 1999
Label: ZMC
Format: CD
Running Time: 12 tracks.
Stocked by: Dandemutande, Stern's, Natari, Zimsounds

His fourth compilation, Mr. Chitungwiza was released in 2001 honouring his death. An excellent album. Zuva Rawakandida and Handichazviita are both gems, while other personal favourites include Makorokoto, Sarah Ugarike, 5000$ Kuroora, Pfuma Yenhaka, and Handicha Zuiita.. A highly recommended disc.