Paul Mpofu

B: Oct 28, 1958
D: Feb 2000

Paul Mpofu was a jit bandleader whose career spanned three decades. A gardener by trade, Mpofu formed his first band, The Wild Ten, in 1978, with Cephas Mashakada.

The two formed Muddy Face, and took up music as full-time careers just a year later. Muddy Face released a number of songs during the late 70s and 80s, however little of their music is available internationally. Muddy Face collaborated with fellow musician Job Mashanda, spawning Amai Mandigona and Denga Rababa. Mashakada and Mpofu had success after Job left, with hits such as Pinyanga, Kilimanjaro, and Nherera.

Mpofu formed a new band, Zambuko, in 1991. Again specializing in fast-paced jit, the group released singles such as Ndakuvara Musoro, Rara Warongedza, and Shava Mutekedza. Zambuko is known best for their hit song Muranmbinda, off their album of the same name. Mpofu died in February 2000.

Mpofu Jr to revive Zambuko >> Standard (Sept 21)

Sources: Zindi, MusicYeZimbabwe and Turino, Nationalists, Cosmopolitans, and Music in Zimbabwe.

Tenda Kumidzimu Yako is available as an LP from Natari, while Zuka Rakabuda Mu Africa is available in LP format from Brown Sugar Web.

Gorono

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Songs include Mutongapasi and Fabisch.