- Featured Artists -
Marxist Brothers
The Marxist Brothers were one of the leaders of Zimbabwe's rhumba scene in the 1980s. Comprised of brothers Simon, Naison, Allan, and Brian Chimbetu, the band scored a string of prolific hits in Zimbabwe's politically-charged, post-independence era. The Marxists' songs are characterized by long, two-part vocal lines. Harmonies between Simon and Naison feature prominently. Short repetitive guitar fills the background. Although fast-paced and very danceable, their music rarely features long, virtuosic solos; a unique feature when compared to some of their contemporaries such as Jonah Moyo and Devera Ngwena. The songs all tend to sound similar, however, this is not a bad thing as their sound is electric and very enjoyable.
Formed in 1980, the band continued into the 1990s, playing on Simon's 1995 solo album Karikoga, although the Chimbetu's had officially split in 1988. Naison went on the pursue a solo career, while other members melded into Dendera Kings, who currently act as Simon's backing band. The Chimbetu Brothers continue to work together, this time on their Dendera farm. Bought in 2000, the farm produces maize and other cash crops. The Chimbetus were rocked with a recent scandal which alleged that their farm workers had not been properly paid. This however, has been cleared up.
Discography (limited)
Greatest Hits of Early Music  |
ZMC | 1997 |
| Pachipamwe | ZMC | |
| Samatenga | ZMC | |
| Boterekwa | 1989 | |
| Marxist Brothers | ZMC | 1989 |
| Kuipa Chete | ZMC | 1988 |
| Africa | ZMC | 1987 |
| Dendera Resango | ZMC | 1986 |
| Kunjere Kunjere | ZMC | 1985 |
| Mwana Wedangwe | ZMC | 1983 |
Released: 1989
Label: DALP - DALP200
Format: LP
Running Time:
Stocked by:
Although labelled as recorded by Simon Chimbetu and Dendera Kings, Boterekwa is in fact a Marxist Brothers' release. It's your standard album of bright, repetitive guitar, bright, repetitive lyrics, and bright, repetitive songs. That being said, of all of the Cimbetu album's I've heard, this one is relatively solid. Although not as good as the Greatest Hits album, Boterekwa is your standard catchy, danceable Chimbetu rhumba.
| Sample | Lyrics | |
| 01. Usandisiye | ||
| 02. Future | ||
| 03. Musoro Wachena | ||
| 04. Pakati Pengungwa | ||
| 05. One Way | ||
| 06. Bvuma Mkwasha |
Released: re-released 1997
Label: ZMC - CDMUSI844
Format: Cassette, CD
Running Time: 69 minutes, 12 tracks.
Stocked by: Stern's,
Zimsounds
An excellent album of fast-paced, danceable Zim guitar rhumba. Prominent vocals balance repetitive, bright guitar licks. Although the solos aren't as dazzling as some other artists, it is still a good listen. Some of the songs remind me of Jonah Moyo and Devera Ngwena (a personal favourite). Definitely a recommended album and an excellent introduction to the work of the Chimbetu brothers and zim guitar rhumba.
| Sample | Lyrics | |
| 01. Dendera Resango | ||
| 02. Susanna | ||
| 03. Sekuru Ndipeiwo Zano | ||
| 04. Mudzimu Ndiringe | ||
| 05. Mwana Wedangwe | ||
| 06. Mumwe Wangu | ||
| 07. Africa | ||
| 08. Chirikadzi | ||
| 09. Denda | ||
| 10. Kunjere Kunjere | ||
| 11. Ndiyamure Mukoma | ||
| 12. Goodbye Sandra |