Biography

band members have included:
Ketai Muchawaya, Knowledge K. Kunenyati, Marko Sibanda, Lee Roy Lunga

Formed in 1977, the seven-piece Kasongo Band was comprised of former liberation fighters who had sought exile in Tanzania before independence. The band picked up local influences of East African music while forming their distinctive chimurenga sound away from home. Upon returning to Zimbabwe in 1980, the Kasongo Band enlisted in the army and performed at various military functions, as well as for public audiences. They scored a number of hits singles in 1983, while their 1989 album Soko Murehwa sold more than 45 000 copies, leading them to a group of the year award from a local club.

Although no longer together, the Kasongo Band remains known for their militant chimurenga style forged by their leader Ketai Muchawaya. Kasongo Hits, their greatest hits album, was released by Gramma Records in 2001.

Members of the Kasongo Band have also furthered their careers in other bands. Ketai Muchawaya and Marko Sibanda have both gone on to solo careers. Knowledge Kunenyati has also had a solo career, with some of his songs featured on the Zimbabwe Frontline Three. Lee Roy Lunga later joined the Chazezesa Challengers.

The Kasongo Band is sometimes listed under different names. Sometimes spelt "Kassongo", they are also referred to as "Two Stars and the Kassongo Band" (as in Ronnie Graham's World of African Music: Volume Two.)

Sources: Zindi, Roots Rocking in Zimbabwe, Zindi, MusicYeZimbabwe and Graham, The World of African Music, and visitor submissions.

Discography (limited)

An audio sample of Asande Sana (Part Two) is available.

Kasongo Hits

Released: 2001
Label: Gramma
Format: Compact Disc
Running Time: 8 tracks.
Stocked by:

Includes tracks such as Nguvatsve, Maneno, Panyadzona, and Kana Wechida Kuguta.