Lovemore Majaivana
Group Biography -- Group Discography -- Compilation Appearances

Biography

Hailing from Zimbabwe’s southwest, Lovemore Majaivana was arguably Bulawayo’s most popular musician. Born Lovemore Tshuma, the singer earned the faux surname 'majaivana' (which means good dancer) for his exceptional dancing.

The Gweru-born singer found his start as a drummer for various bands in the Bulawayo scene in 1967 at the age of 15. He eventually switched to singing as he toured the Harare bar circuit as a Western cover act. However, he returned home to Bulawayo when he joined the Marisha band in 1974. He lasted only four years until his next Harare move, when in 1978 he formed the Jobs Combination band wiht blind singer Fanyana Dube. After several successful singles they produced their first album. 1980’s Isitimela was a definite hit.

As the Jobs Combination disbanded, Majaivana sought new experiences. After joining the Real Sounds for a short-time, Lovemore found himself in the Zulu Band, a Victoria-based outfit with whom he remains today. The Zulu Band, under Majaivana’s stewardship, sings in Zulu, a language understandable to the Ndebele speakers of Zimbabwe. To this day his roots remain a huge influence. Lovemore received much of his musical education. His father, a preacher, encouraged him to sing in the church choir, while much of his first album with the Zulu Band, 1984’s Salanini Zinini, is based on traditional songs taught to him by his mother during his youth.

Lovemore has been in and out of the industry throughout his life. During the mid 1980s he left music to work for the Zimbabwe Dairy Board, and left again to sell furniture after the death of his bassist in 1993. Although he re-appeared in 2001, he again gave up his singing career and immigrated to the United States.

Lovemore Majaivana Interview

Daily News >> Bulawayo Yearns For Another Majaivana

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

Audio clip of Ukkhozi and are available.

Best of Lovemore Majaivana

Released: 2001 (re-release)
Label: ZMC
Format: CD
Running Time:
Stocked by: Stern's

Isono Sami

Released: 2001
Label: ZMC
Format: CD
Running Time: 8 tracks.
Stocked by: Stern's, Natari, Zimsounds

Lovemore's last release which aimed to recapture his past music as well as his current Zulu jive.