Leonard Karikoga Zhakata and Zimbabwe Stars
Group Biography -- Group Discography -- Compilation Appearances

Biography

Leonard Zhakata, although maybe not as well known internationally, is another Zimbabwean rhumba superstar. Leonard's music shot to fame as his dancable beats enthralled concert-goers across Zimbabwe. Zhakata rose to prominence in the 1990s alongside Leonard Dembo and Simon "Chopper" Chimbetu.

Zhakata's musical career started in the band Maungwe Brothers. Formed in the late 80s with his cousin, fellow singer Thomas Makion, the band played Chimbetu-inspired rhumba. They released two albums before splitting to pursue solo careers. Makion played back-up on Zhakata's smash 1994 solo album Maruva Enyika, which spawned the huge hit Mugove and sold more than 120 000 copies. Zhakata retuned the favour by backing Makion on his solo album of the same year, Makorokoto.

Zhakata is best known for his hits Upenyu Mutoro and Matai Manzwi. However, it was his 1994 smash Mugove which propelled him to domestic stardom. His 1996 album, Nzombe Huru, sold more than 130 000 copies. Zhakata is famous for his lyrical skill; he has been described the Zimbabwe's Daily News as "word-spinning." Zhakata is also known for his sponsorship a successful anti-piracy campaign which encouraged consumers to purchase valid copies of his tapes in return for the chance to win prizes. Leonard has six albums availbale online.

Afropop Interview
Zhakata's Hodho banned by the ZBC >> Daily News (May 21)

Sources: Zindi, MusicYeZimbabwe, Ecoweb Portal, Afropop.

Discography (limited) Hodho ZMC 2003 Mubikira ZMC 2002 Original Rhythms of Africa ZMC-ZORA 2000 Pakuyambuka ZMC 1999 Ndingaite Sei? ZMC 1998 Vagoni Vebasa ZMC 1997 Greatest Hits ZMC 1996 Nzomba Huru ZMC 1996 Mandisorei ZMC 1995 Maruva Enyika ZMC 1994

Compilation Appearances Everyone's Child Mugove Hits of Zimbabwe Karigoni Sound Offerings Baba Vachamunorwa

Mandisorei

Released: 1995
Label: ZMC - CDKLZ1
Format: CD
Running Time: 6 tracks
Stocked by: Dandemutande, Stern's

Judging by the serial number, this is most likely Zhakata's oldest Compact Disc release.

Greatest Hits

Released: 1996 (re-released in 2001)
Label: ZMC - CDKLZ5
Format: CD
Running Time: 6 tracks.
Stocked by: Dandemutande, Natari, Zimsounds

Leonard Zhakata's earlier Greatest Hits LP has been re-issued on Compact Disc. Covers Zhakata hits from the early and mid nineties.

Vagoni Vebasa

Released: 1997
Label: ZMC - CDKLZ6
Format: CD
Running Time: 6 tracks
Stocked by: Dandemutande, Natari, Stern's, Zimsounds

Another Zhakata Compact Disc re-issue from 2001, Vagoni Vebasa is a more recent release.

Ndingaite Sei?

Released: 1998 (re-released on CD 2001)
Label: ZMC - CDKLZ7
Format: CD
Running Time: 6 tracks
Stocked by: Dandemutande, Natari, Stern's, Zimsounds

Another Zhakata Compact Disc re-issue from 2001.

Pakuyambuka

Released: 1999
Label: ZMC - CDKLZ8
Format: CD
Running Time:
Stocked by: Dandemutande, Natari, Stern's, Zimsounds

Another Zhakata compact disc re-issue from 2001.

Original Rhytms of Africa

Released: 2000
Label: ZMC/ZORA Music - CDKLZ10
Format: CD
Running Time: 6 tracks.
Stocked by: Dandemutande, Natari, Stern's, Zimsounds

The second-latest of Zhakata's albums to go to Compact Disc, Original Rhythms of Africa is another addictive Zhakata recording.

Mubikira

Released: 2002
Label: ZMC
Format: CD
Running Time: 6 tracks.
Stocked by: Natari, Stern's, Zimsounds

Zhakata's latest album, and latest in the line up successful hits. Mubirika sold more than 20 000 copies in its first two weeks of release alone. The album has a quasi-political tone and focuses on the harsh conditions prevalent in Zimbabwean society today. Read the review from the Daily News.

Hodho

Released: 2003
Label: ZMC
Format: CD
Running Time: 6tracks.
Stocked by:

Zhakata's 2003 album was banned by the ZBCin May 2003 after only a few days on the airwaves.