SCOTLAND – Rise Kagona, one of the last surviving members and founder of the legendary Zimbabwean jit band, Bhundu Boys, has reportedly passed away.
Kagona who was based in Edinburg, Scotland, was still an active musician at the time of his passing. This means Bhundu Boys drummer Kenny Chitsvatsva is now the only surviving member of the group.
The cause of Kagona’s death is still unclear.
Author and event organiser Marshall Shonhai confirmed the death of the musician on social media.
“Sad, sad day for Zimbabwean music, the leader and founder of one of Zimbabwe’s celebrated bands The Bhundu Boys Rise Kagona has died. He will be dearly missed,” he wrote on Facebook.
The Bhundu Boys responsible for churning out hits such as Simbimbino, Babamunini Francis, Hatisi Tose, Kuroja Chete and Jit Jive.
Born in Malawi on May 17 1962, Kagona came to Zimbabwe when he was two years old. Kagona formed the band at Independence in April, 1980 recruiting four of its original members.
Their popularity soared in post-independence Zimbabwe, as they played in beerhalls and at Club Saratoga in Harare’s Highfield where they were spotted by Steve Roskilly who owned a recording studio in the capital.
Under Roskilly, the Bhundu Boys had four number one hits within three years of coming together, with Biggie Tembo serving as the lead vocalist and the driving force behind the band.
Their popularity saw them export jit to the UK, where things started to fall apart for the group as Tembo eventually sought to pursue a solo career.
Sad to hear this. Just a week ago I was watching the Bundu Boys doco and telling my friends that the Bundu Biys were one of the best Zim group. MHSRIP.