Chris Gudu Band

28 Aug 2007 DIASPORA MAGAZINE
Chris Gudu hails from Zimbabwe and has considerable experience performing internationally with international South African and Zimbabwean artists.

Late of Jive Kayana, Chris has branched out on his own on this latest release. He not only wrote, composed and arranged all 10 songs but also sings, pops in some nifty DJ toasts and plays all the instruments himself….percussion, bass, guitar and keyboards.

Sticking basically to the township jive sound there are lots of infectious melodies and beats, spiced here and there with touches of jazzy Afrobeat or smatterings of reggae. Bavimbeni is a more assured effort than Jive Kayana and Chris deserves to be commended for the engaging organic feel that pervades the whole disc, belying the obvious feat of dubbing it all together. Some critics might carp about an artist spreading himself thin by doing so many things himself; but not me.

Chris performs every part well and more importantly with a deep knowledge of how it all works. All the pieces on this local release flow along with a naturalness and warmth that should appeal to more than just African music fans. RJ
- Diaspora Magazine

28 Aug 2007 DIASPORA MAGAZINE
Chris Gudu hails from Zimbabwe and has considerable experience performing internationally with international South African and Zimbabwean artists.

Late of Jive Kayana, Chris has branched out on his own on this latest release. He not only wrote, composed and arranged all 10 songs but also sings, pops in some nifty DJ toasts and plays all the instruments himself….percussion, bass, guitar and keyboards.

Sticking basically to the township jive sound there are lots of infectious melodies and beats, spiced here and there with touches of jazzy Afrobeat or smatterings of reggae. Bavimbeni is a more assured effort than Jive Kayana and Chris deserves to be commended for the engaging organic feel that pervades the whole disc, belying the obvious feat of dubbing it all together. Some critics might carp about an artist spreading himself thin by doing so many things himself; but not me.

Chris performs every part well and more importantly with a deep knowledge of how it all works. All the pieces on this local release flow along with a naturalness and warmth that should appeal to more than just African music fans. RJ
- Diaspora Magazine

From Zimbabwe to Australia and back with Chris Gudu - Mthokozisi Dube reports for Zimbabwe's Sunday News
[news]
Submitted by Jill Turner on 6 July, 2008 - 11:54.
Sydney-based performer, Chris Kayana Gudu, is keen to bring the magical groove that has made him “an essential part of the Australian world music scene” to Zimbabwe before the end of the year.
The Bulawayo-born musician – who has two albums to his belt – is making waves in Australia, where he signed a recording deal with rising Australian Independent recording label Hardrush Music last year.
The talented artist is planning to tour Zimbabwe where he to partner Sungura maestro Alick Macheso in a number of joint shows before Macheso tours Australia next year in April. Gudu’s manager, Alison Donagh, revealed that the musician – who readily switches between drums and bass – was planning to come home.
“Gudu is planning to come back home for shows in summer this year and there is an agreement with Alick Macheso that they two will work together during the tour,”he told Gudu’s website. The two have previously shared the stage in Australia. Gudu has also performed with Chimurenga music guru, Thomas ‘Mukanya’ Mapfumo and the group Malaika of South Africa. Gudu also confirmed this on his website.
“We plan to be in Zimbabwe this year and we are working on some exciting developments at this very moment,” he said. Macheso’s manager, William Tsandukwa, on Friday confirmed the developments although he said that nothing concrete has been agreed to, as yet.
The Sungura king is no doubt a huge admirer of the Australian based artiste.
“Yes, there are discussions along those lines but the details have not yet been finalised. We met him the last time we went to Australia and that is when he indicated that he would love to come and perform in Zimbabwe alongside Macheso. I also spoke to his manager and something could be coming up soon. He actually wants people a home to have a feel of his music,” Tsandukwa said.
Donagh has no doubt Gudu is an exhilarating and passionate performer and rates his latest album – Bavimbeni – highly. “The Chris Gudu performance is worth experiencing, not just once but over and over again. The groove is magic,” he said. Tsandukwa concurs with him: “We had a joint show with him in Sydney, Australia. The man is popular there even with whites. He is really good.”
The album Bavimbeni has tracks like Muhle Nje, Wairimo Wanga, Siyakubonga, Before Sunset, Hamba Lugege, Pretty Baby, Jabula Time, Vini Lo Muzi and Kuhl’ukubambana.
He has formed his own band Jive Kayana and they regularly entertain music lovers in Australia with what they refer to as “Township Jive Music” popularly knonw as Mbaqanga music. The line-up features two beautiful African backing singers blended in with a combination of Zimbabwean and Australian musicians.
Hardrush Music president, Kelvin Fahey says: “Chris is a master! He is our leading artist in the World Music genre and we are proud to be associated with taking his solo songwriting and recording skills to the world.”
Gudu recently told an online publication: “I am really looking forward to working with some of the hot artists in Zimbabwe like Alick Macheso. I admire what he does and I look forward to fusing our styles and coming up with a really interesting Zimbabwean groove.”
He believes Australians love the exuberant and passionate rhythms of Zimbabwean music and they love to dance. He adds ‘so the shows here are really full of energy’.
When his Album ‘Bavimbeni’ was reviewed in an Australian paper recently, it was stated: “Chris Gudu is an essential part of the Australian world music scene.” And Gudu says he felt really proud that his music had made such an impact in Australia.
The Zimbabwean musician is back in the studio working on his third album. He has also been doing some production work with Australian musicians.
He yearns to see people relate to the messages he portrays in his music while also making a difference in people’s lives.
He comes from a very musical family and says he always sung at church with his mother, brother and sisters. “I grew up writing and playing music with my brothers. Music has always been our connection. There is a lot of love there. It’s still my connection with Zimbabwe,” read his profile on his website.
Chris is related to UK-based Zimbabwean born artiste, Calvin Gudu who once topped the charts in the mid and late 90s in Zimbabwe. Calvin has now switched over to gospel music. Gudu, who started off as a drummer for the late Brian Sibalo, before playing bass guitar for Wells Fargo in Zimbabwe has over the years developed his songwriting, production and performance skills from his previous stints.
Reproduced from the article by Mthokozisi Dube for the Sunday News - permissions pending
Photo credit: From Chris Gudu's website gallery

- Sunday News

From Zimbabwe to Australia and back with Chris Gudu - Mthokozisi Dube reports for Zimbabwe's Sunday News
[news]
Submitted by Jill Turner on 6 July, 2008 - 11:54.
Sydney-based performer, Chris Kayana Gudu, is keen to bring the magical groove that has made him “an essential part of the Australian world music scene” to Zimbabwe before the end of the year.
The Bulawayo-born musician – who has two albums to his belt – is making waves in Australia, where he signed a recording deal with rising Australian Independent recording label Hardrush Music last year.
The talented artist is planning to tour Zimbabwe where he to partner Sungura maestro Alick Macheso in a number of joint shows before Macheso tours Australia next year in April. Gudu’s manager, Alison Donagh, revealed that the musician – who readily switches between drums and bass – was planning to come home.
“Gudu is planning to come back home for shows in summer this year and there is an agreement with Alick Macheso that they two will work together during the tour,”he told Gudu’s website. The two have previously shared the stage in Australia. Gudu has also performed with Chimurenga music guru, Thomas ‘Mukanya’ Mapfumo and the group Malaika of South Africa. Gudu also confirmed this on his website.
“We plan to be in Zimbabwe this year and we are working on some exciting developments at this very moment,” he said. Macheso’s manager, William Tsandukwa, on Friday confirmed the developments although he said that nothing concrete has been agreed to, as yet.
The Sungura king is no doubt a huge admirer of the Australian based artiste.
“Yes, there are discussions along those lines but the details have not yet been finalised. We met him the last time we went to Australia and that is when he indicated that he would love to come and perform in Zimbabwe alongside Macheso. I also spoke to his manager and something could be coming up soon. He actually wants people a home to have a feel of his music,” Tsandukwa said.
Donagh has no doubt Gudu is an exhilarating and passionate performer and rates his latest album – Bavimbeni – highly. “The Chris Gudu performance is worth experiencing, not just once but over and over again. The groove is magic,” he said. Tsandukwa concurs with him: “We had a joint show with him in Sydney, Australia. The man is popular there even with whites. He is really good.”
The album Bavimbeni has tracks like Muhle Nje, Wairimo Wanga, Siyakubonga, Before Sunset, Hamba Lugege, Pretty Baby, Jabula Time, Vini Lo Muzi and Kuhl’ukubambana.
He has formed his own band Jive Kayana and they regularly entertain music lovers in Australia with what they refer to as “Township Jive Music” popularly knonw as Mbaqanga music. The line-up features two beautiful African backing singers blended in with a combination of Zimbabwean and Australian musicians.
Hardrush Music president, Kelvin Fahey says: “Chris is a master! He is our leading artist in the World Music genre and we are proud to be associated with taking his solo songwriting and recording skills to the world.”
Gudu recently told an online publication: “I am really looking forward to working with some of the hot artists in Zimbabwe like Alick Macheso. I admire what he does and I look forward to fusing our styles and coming up with a really interesting Zimbabwean groove.”
He believes Australians love the exuberant and passionate rhythms of Zimbabwean music and they love to dance. He adds ‘so the shows here are really full of energy’.
When his Album ‘Bavimbeni’ was reviewed in an Australian paper recently, it was stated: “Chris Gudu is an essential part of the Australian world music scene.” And Gudu says he felt really proud that his music had made such an impact in Australia.
The Zimbabwean musician is back in the studio working on his third album. He has also been doing some production work with Australian musicians.
He yearns to see people relate to the messages he portrays in his music while also making a difference in people’s lives.
He comes from a very musical family and says he always sung at church with his mother, brother and sisters. “I grew up writing and playing music with my brothers. Music has always been our connection. There is a lot of love there. It’s still my connection with Zimbabwe,” read his profile on his website.
Chris is related to UK-based Zimbabwean born artiste, Calvin Gudu who once topped the charts in the mid and late 90s in Zimbabwe. Calvin has now switched over to gospel music. Gudu, who started off as a drummer for the late Brian Sibalo, before playing bass guitar for Wells Fargo in Zimbabwe has over the years developed his songwriting, production and performance skills from his previous stints.
Reproduced from the article by Mthokozisi Dube for the Sunday News - permissions pending
Photo credit: From Chris Gudu's website gallery

- Sunday News

By Lee Shungu, on June 27 2008 13:30
Favoured : 34

The last time Zimbabwe had one big memorable show by an international artiste was when RnB star, Joe Thomas rocked fans in Harare. When The Zimbabwe Gazette heard through the grapevine that another international artiste based in Australia- Chris Gudu is mulling coming to this country, this paper recently quoted some sources revealing these developments.
This reporter managed to get in touch with Gudu from his Australian base and he managed to share information on his Zimbabwean Tour and his musical and personal life.
Shungu: What are you really aiming at on embarking on the Zimbabwean Tour?
Gudu: To reach out and connect with my fellow Zimbabweans.
Shungu: Who will you be working with in Zim, and why?
Gudu: I am really looking forward to working with some of the hot local artists like Alick Macheso. I admire what he does and I look forward to fusing our styles and coming up with a really interesting Zimbabwean groove.
Shungu: For how long have you been holding shows with Zim's greats, for example Macheso and Mapfumo?
Gudu: We had the opportunity to hold some concerts with these all time greats- Macheso and Mapfumo while they were touring Australia. We also played with Malaika when they came to Australia too.
Shungu: How did you come to board the same boat with the above mentioned musicians?
Gudu: We have made a name for ourselves in Australia and the promoters thought it would be a good combination, so the concerts would be truly Zimbabwean!
Shungu: How is your music taken in Australia and UK and from your own point of view-Why?
Gudu: The Australians love the exuberant and passionate rhythms of Zimbabwean music... and they love to dance! so the shows are really full of energy. My management company and recording studio is also based in Australia. The Australians love to see their own fellow Australians playing our music and the Zimbabwean population in Australia is fascinated with the Australians playing, loving and dancing to their music! When my Album "Bavimbeni" was reviewed in the press here, it was stated that "Chris Gudu is an essential part of the Australian world music scene". I felt really proud that the Zimbabwean music had made such an impact here.
Shungu: Why settle in Australia?
Gudu: I have been doing a lot of production work with Australian musicians. Australia is very multicultural and there is much to learn from the variety of music here. My management company and recording studio are also based in Australia. You would be surprised how some parts of Australia really remind me of home!
Shungu: How is the going- musical and life in general?
Gudu: Things are looking very good musically with the release of the album "Bavimbeni", but we are already busy in the studio working on the follow up album... Life is very exciting!
Shungu: What do you aim at achieving through music?
Gudu: I hope people will relate to the message in my music both lyrically and musically. I'd like my music to make a difference in people's lives. I'd like my music to reach the four corners of the world. And of course, I would like to work with some of the world's great musicians. We plan to be in Zimbabwe this year and are working on some very exciting developments at this very moment!
Shungu: What can you say you have achieved through music?
Gudu: A lot of fulfillment from the way people respond to my music. I can write, play and sing all the music I want to but without the support and involvement of the fans, I feel I'm only halfway there. They are my other half! I think my music has also made a bridge between Zimbabwe and Australia. Putting out some positive energy too in a world where there is so much hardship. Music can make a difference.
Shungu: When did you start music, and why?
Gudu: Music has always been my life from the moment I was born. I came from a very musical family. I have always sung at Church with my mother, brother and sisters. I grew up writing and playing music with my brothers. Music has always been our connection. There is a lot of love there. It's still my connection with Zimbabwe. - Zimbabwe Gazette

By Lee Shungu, on June 27 2008 13:30
Favoured : 34

The last time Zimbabwe had one big memorable show by an international artiste was when RnB star, Joe Thomas rocked fans in Harare. When The Zimbabwe Gazette heard through the grapevine that another international artiste based in Australia- Chris Gudu is mulling coming to this country, this paper recently quoted some sources revealing these developments.
This reporter managed to get in touch with Gudu from his Australian base and he managed to share information on his Zimbabwean Tour and his musical and personal life.
Shungu: What are you really aiming at on embarking on the Zimbabwean Tour?
Gudu: To reach out and connect with my fellow Zimbabweans.
Shungu: Who will you be working with in Zim, and why?
Gudu: I am really looking forward to working with some of the hot local artists like Alick Macheso. I admire what he does and I look forward to fusing our styles and coming up with a really interesting Zimbabwean groove.
Shungu: For how long have you been holding shows with Zim's greats, for example Macheso and Mapfumo?
Gudu: We had the opportunity to hold some concerts with these all time greats- Macheso and Mapfumo while they were touring Australia. We also played with Malaika when they came to Australia too.
Shungu: How did you come to board the same boat with the above mentioned musicians?
Gudu: We have made a name for ourselves in Australia and the promoters thought it would be a good combination, so the concerts would be truly Zimbabwean!
Shungu: How is your music taken in Australia and UK and from your own point of view-Why?
Gudu: The Australians love the exuberant and passionate rhythms of Zimbabwean music... and they love to dance! so the shows are really full of energy. My management company and recording studio is also based in Australia. The Australians love to see their own fellow Australians playing our music and the Zimbabwean population in Australia is fascinated with the Australians playing, loving and dancing to their music! When my Album "Bavimbeni" was reviewed in the press here, it was stated that "Chris Gudu is an essential part of the Australian world music scene". I felt really proud that the Zimbabwean music had made such an impact here.
Shungu: Why settle in Australia?
Gudu: I have been doing a lot of production work with Australian musicians. Australia is very multicultural and there is much to learn from the variety of music here. My management company and recording studio are also based in Australia. You would be surprised how some parts of Australia really remind me of home!
Shungu: How is the going- musical and life in general?
Gudu: Things are looking very good musically with the release of the album "Bavimbeni", but we are already busy in the studio working on the follow up album... Life is very exciting!
Shungu: What do you aim at achieving through music?
Gudu: I hope people will relate to the message in my music both lyrically and musically. I'd like my music to make a difference in people's lives. I'd like my music to reach the four corners of the world. And of course, I would like to work with some of the world's great musicians. We plan to be in Zimbabwe this year and are working on some very exciting developments at this very moment!
Shungu: What can you say you have achieved through music?
Gudu: A lot of fulfillment from the way people respond to my music. I can write, play and sing all the music I want to but without the support and involvement of the fans, I feel I'm only halfway there. They are my other half! I think my music has also made a bridge between Zimbabwe and Australia. Putting out some positive energy too in a world where there is so much hardship. Music can make a difference.
Shungu: When did you start music, and why?
Gudu: Music has always been my life from the moment I was born. I came from a very musical family. I have always sung at Church with my mother, brother and sisters. I grew up writing and playing music with my brothers. Music has always been our connection. There is a lot of love there. It's still my connection with Zimbabwe. - Zimbabwe Gazette