Chris Gudu
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"The Big Diary - Chris Gudu & Band"

"Rhythms of Zimbabwe Return"
It was almost 2 years ago when the Chris Gudu Band sold out the Mittagong Playhouse during the tour of Chris's earlier album Bavimbeni. Chris Gudu and his band return to the Southern Highlands with their unmistakable township jive music. As before, this Mittagong Playhouse concert is part of their album launch. This time the Chris Gudu Band is proud to release their brand new album Imnandi .

His solo tour follows the last tour of the country with the South African jazz legend Hugh Masekela a couple of years ago.

Chris Gudu who comes from the city of Bulawayo in Zimbabwe has an amazing stage presence with mesmerising dance moves while the band churns out some high energy township jive or umbaqanga music. As usual Chris Gudus music is designed to entertain, to make you feel good and to make you move. The new album is filled with such grooves and rhythms. This is the only Southern Highlands show, not to be missed.
- ABC


"The Big Diary - Chris Gudu & Band"

"Rhythms of Zimbabwe Return"
It was almost 2 years ago when the Chris Gudu Band sold out the Mittagong Playhouse during the tour of Chris's earlier album Bavimbeni. Chris Gudu and his band return to the Southern Highlands with their unmistakable township jive music. As before, this Mittagong Playhouse concert is part of their album launch. This time the Chris Gudu Band is proud to release their brand new album Imnandi .

His solo tour follows the last tour of the country with the South African jazz legend Hugh Masekela a couple of years ago.

Chris Gudu who comes from the city of Bulawayo in Zimbabwe has an amazing stage presence with mesmerising dance moves while the band churns out some high energy township jive or umbaqanga music. As usual Chris Gudus music is designed to entertain, to make you feel good and to make you move. The new album is filled with such grooves and rhythms. This is the only Southern Highlands show, not to be missed.
- ABC


"The Big Diary - Chris Gudu & Band"

"Rhythms of Zimbabwe Return"
It was almost 2 years ago when the Chris Gudu Band sold out the Mittagong Playhouse during the tour of Chris's earlier album Bavimbeni. Chris Gudu and his band return to the Southern Highlands with their unmistakable township jive music. As before, this Mittagong Playhouse concert is part of their album launch. This time the Chris Gudu Band is proud to release their brand new album Imnandi .

His solo tour follows the last tour of the country with the South African jazz legend Hugh Masekela a couple of years ago.

Chris Gudu who comes from the city of Bulawayo in Zimbabwe has an amazing stage presence with mesmerising dance moves while the band churns out some high energy township jive or umbaqanga music. As usual Chris Gudus music is designed to entertain, to make you feel good and to make you move. The new album is filled with such grooves and rhythms. This is the only Southern Highlands show, not to be missed.
- ABC


"The Big Diary - Chris Gudu & Band"

"Rhythms of Zimbabwe Return"
It was almost 2 years ago when the Chris Gudu Band sold out the Mittagong Playhouse during the tour of Chris's earlier album Bavimbeni. Chris Gudu and his band return to the Southern Highlands with their unmistakable township jive music. As before, this Mittagong Playhouse concert is part of their album launch. This time the Chris Gudu Band is proud to release their brand new album Imnandi .

His solo tour follows the last tour of the country with the South African jazz legend Hugh Masekela a couple of years ago.

Chris Gudu who comes from the city of Bulawayo in Zimbabwe has an amazing stage presence with mesmerising dance moves while the band churns out some high energy township jive or umbaqanga music. As usual Chris Gudus music is designed to entertain, to make you feel good and to make you move. The new album is filled with such grooves and rhythms. This is the only Southern Highlands show, not to be missed.
- ABC


"Chris Gudu an international star"

HARARE - Some Zimbabweans have previously associated him with the famous 90s Matonto. Barely-known at home- Chris Gudu (Pictured) is fast becoming one of the major Zimbabwean international artists due to the worldwide success of his Bavimbeni album which is now officially available in Zimbabwe.

Recently, a major Australian based airline, Virgin Australia, launched a new route from Melbourne to Johannesburg. One special thing about this launch is that Zimbabwe was represented during the launch of V-Australia by Chris Gudu.

Chris is younger brother to Kevin Gudu formerly of the group Matonto and of the popular 90s song Tombofara. The two hail from Bulawayo where, as young boys, they played their first notes of music on home made guitars and drums.

Michael Coggins, Technical Operations Manager for Stagewise Events, which handles bookings for Chris Gudu says the Australian based musician was in Zimbabwe recently following a brief stop-over in South Africa where the V-Australia tour took him and some members of his band.

"The Chris Gudu band was hand-picked by the Virgin management to perform for guests on the very first V-Australia flight to Johannesburg from Melbourne. They performed for VIP guests and paying passengers on the rare but special gig for the group."

"The crowd cheered the band on and called for encore after encore as Chris Gudu and the band churned out some tunes from the current new release as well as some traditional songs," he said.

Chris Gudu has performed all around Australia on his own tours as well as touring with the likes of Hugh Masekela, Vusi Mahlasela, Angelique Kidjo, Oliver Mtukudzi, Alick Macheso, Thomas Mapfumo and many more. The Chris Gudu Band has played at major venues of Australia including the iconic Opera House in Sydney and Hamer Hall in Melbourne.

Chris Gudus Bavimbeni album was recently released in Zimbabwe by Grammar records and is expected to receive massive attention in the country.

Bavimbeni is a very special album to me as a debut project of this sort and is packed with some of my own personal favourites such as Pretty Baby, Muhle Nje, Bavimbeni and many more, Gudu stated.

He went on to explain that it took him over 6 months to complete the recording of the album as he took his time to ensure that he came out with a quality product. I am very happy with this album and I hope that the fans will find it just as exciting as I find it.

Coggins adds Chris Gudus next major tour is set for October this year with the highly acclaimed, awesome, Soweto String Quartet.

"We are currently putting the final touches on a new album, which will be released later this year."

"Chris Gudu very much hopes to perform Zimbabwe in the near future. We are currently working on a tentative plan to visit in October," he concluded. We really hope that this time he will make it.
- The Zimbabwean


"Chris Gudu an international star"

HARARE - Some Zimbabweans have previously associated him with the famous 90s Matonto. Barely-known at home- Chris Gudu (Pictured) is fast becoming one of the major Zimbabwean international artists due to the worldwide success of his Bavimbeni album which is now officially available in Zimbabwe.

Recently, a major Australian based airline, Virgin Australia, launched a new route from Melbourne to Johannesburg. One special thing about this launch is that Zimbabwe was represented during the launch of V-Australia by Chris Gudu.

Chris is younger brother to Kevin Gudu formerly of the group Matonto and of the popular 90s song Tombofara. The two hail from Bulawayo where, as young boys, they played their first notes of music on home made guitars and drums.

Michael Coggins, Technical Operations Manager for Stagewise Events, which handles bookings for Chris Gudu says the Australian based musician was in Zimbabwe recently following a brief stop-over in South Africa where the V-Australia tour took him and some members of his band.

"The Chris Gudu band was hand-picked by the Virgin management to perform for guests on the very first V-Australia flight to Johannesburg from Melbourne. They performed for VIP guests and paying passengers on the rare but special gig for the group."

"The crowd cheered the band on and called for encore after encore as Chris Gudu and the band churned out some tunes from the current new release as well as some traditional songs," he said.

Chris Gudu has performed all around Australia on his own tours as well as touring with the likes of Hugh Masekela, Vusi Mahlasela, Angelique Kidjo, Oliver Mtukudzi, Alick Macheso, Thomas Mapfumo and many more. The Chris Gudu Band has played at major venues of Australia including the iconic Opera House in Sydney and Hamer Hall in Melbourne.

Chris Gudus Bavimbeni album was recently released in Zimbabwe by Grammar records and is expected to receive massive attention in the country.

Bavimbeni is a very special album to me as a debut project of this sort and is packed with some of my own personal favourites such as Pretty Baby, Muhle Nje, Bavimbeni and many more, Gudu stated.

He went on to explain that it took him over 6 months to complete the recording of the album as he took his time to ensure that he came out with a quality product. I am very happy with this album and I hope that the fans will find it just as exciting as I find it.

Coggins adds Chris Gudus next major tour is set for October this year with the highly acclaimed, awesome, Soweto String Quartet.

"We are currently putting the final touches on a new album, which will be released later this year."

"Chris Gudu very much hopes to perform Zimbabwe in the near future. We are currently working on a tentative plan to visit in October," he concluded. We really hope that this time he will make it.
- The Zimbabwean


"From Zimbabwe to Australia and back with Chris Gudu - Mthokozisi Dube reports for Zimbabwe's Sunday News"

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 song writing, production and performance skills from his previous stints.


- Gondwana Sound


"From Zimbabwe to Australia and back with Chris Gudu - Mthokozisi Dube reports for Zimbabwe's Sunday News"

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 song writing, production and performance skills from his previous stints.


- Gondwana Sound


"Street Theatre, Canberra"

Zimbabwe’s ‘The Chris Gudu Band’ sizzles with Afro Jazz and Township Jive for Sydney audiences! Canberra Street Theatre, Sat 12 Nov.
Bringing the finest African rhythmic soul beats to the Canberra Street Theatre, Zimbabwe musician Chris Gudu will be performing his electrifying show with his 7 piece band. Having supported African greats like Hugh Masekla and Angelique Kidjo, The Chris Gudu band are now touring Australia from November.
The Chris Gudu Band inspires the musical and spiritual grooves from their homeland of Zimbabwe, Africa. The music is infectious, up-tempo and exuberant. Bringing tribal Zimbabwe rhythms to the stage, the music is what is often referred to as “Township Jive Music” and is better known in Southern Africa as Umbaqanga music, which has touches of Afro jazz mixed through.
“I perform from the soul of the Zimbabwe people. Our music touches the heart and uplifts everyone who experiences one of our performances,” Chris says. “The Umbaqanga music originates from the streets and shebeens of Southern African, and you can feel this everytime we play.”

Playing from their 3rd album ‘Imnandi’ Chris Gudu and his band, made up of two guitars, bass, keyboards, drums, two female backing singers and percussion, create a celebration of life, spirituality, humanity and harmony. Chris Gudu describes the album as carrying a real message both lyrically and musically. The first tune 'Mhuri Ye Zimbabwe' is a powerful song which he wrote in acknowledging the beauty of his homeland and its hardworking people.

As well as enjoying the success of his own concerts Chris Gudu has toured and shared the stage with some of Africa’s greatest legends such as Hugh Masekela, Angelique Kidjo, Oliver Mtukudzi and Thomas Mapfumo around the world. Chris Gudu also performed alongside his brother in Matonto, and was the former leader, bass man and lead singer of the group Jive Kayana which during its days sold out concerts and created waves at festivals around the world.

The Chris Gudu band will be infusing these influences into their Canberra performance, promising to ignite the audiences with their homeland rhythms and infectious Afro Jazz grooves!
Visit http://www.chrisgudu.com for more information on album, tickets and music. - Live Guide


"Chris Gudu NZ Tour"

About Chris Gudu Band (Zimbabwe) From Auckland
New Zealand is set to enjoy a whole new experience of the rhythms of Africa brought to you by one of Zimbabwe’s finest talents, Chris Gudu.

Chris Gudu was born in Zimbabwe where he grew up singing in church with his mother, sisters and brothers. Chris started his singing career at a very early age when he featured in almost anything musical at school.

Chris has released several hits in his own homeland as well as having charmed the audiences around Europe and Australia. Now it’s New Zealand’s turn to go on a Township Jive journey with the sensational and high energy Chris Gudu Band. The band offers highly irresistible and catchy African tunes and rhythms and the dancing is mesmerising.

Chris Gudu’s music is known back in his homeland in the southern part of Africa as ‘umbaqanga’ music or Township Jive, as it better known the world over. Umbaqanga music originates from the streets and shebeens of Soweto, South Africa, spreading all through and across southern Africa. He mixes his township jive with a little bit of some Nigerian ‘juju’ grooves. Chris has shared his musical journey with some of the highly acclaimed African international artists such as Hugh Masekela, Angelique Kidjo and Vusi Mahlasela. It has also included some of the legendary greats to come out of his own country such as Oliver Mtukudzi, Alec Macheso and Thomas Mapfumo.

Chris Gudu was proudly described by his record company as their “leading artist who presented an original sound, marketable world wide”. His style is impressive and unique and after their recent tour of Australia with Hugh Masekela, Chris Gudu and his band were invited by Richard Branson’s team to travel to South Africa to take part in the launch of V-Australia from Melbourne to Johannesburg.

The five piece Chris Gudu Band comprises two guitars, bass, drums and percussion. They are set to rock the New Zealand audience with several tunes from the forthcoming album as well as the current album titled ‘Bavimbeni’. “Limelight magazine”, (the Australian Broadcasting Commission’s national publication) after reviewing “Bavimbeni, stated that “Chris Gudu is an essential part of the Australian World Music scene”

As a follow up album to ‘Bavimbeni’, Chris Gudu is proud to announce that the release of his forthcoming album coincides with the New Zealand tour prior to the extensive tour of Australia, Africa and Europe.

- Under The Radar (NZ)


"Bavimbeni CD review"

Chris Gudu hails from Zimbabwe where he grew up not only playing musical instruments and singing with his family, but actually making the instruments.

Prior to moving to Australia, he has performed with Wells Fargo in Zimbabwe, Maluju and Thuza in South Africa and toured with Matonto in the UK.

Chris formed his own band Jive Kayana, playing what is often referred to as Township Jive Music and is better known in Southern Africa as Umbaqanga music which sometimes presents a touch of Afro jazz.

Most of the songs are sung in his native language, but on the slick the meaning of each song is explained.Gudu plays most of the instruments on the album while friends assisted with keyboards and guitars.

The first two songs Bavimbeni and Pretty Baby are sort of reggae shuffles, featuring a male chorus and chanting They are both catchy and happy songs.
In fact the whole album is typically uplifting and joyful.

I do not claim to be educated much about African rhythms, but this is an album that is good to dance to whether I'm dancing in 4-4 time or 6-8, I don't know!
Jabula Time is more upbeat, while Before Sunset is a ballad.

On this track at the start the melody seems forced, perhaps this is typical of the way this kind of music is sung, but the female chorus carries this song to make it one of the stronger tracks on the album.

Hamba Lugege is a social commentary song, on which Gudu raps over the African rhythms.

Keyboards are used in the arrangements of Wairimo Wanga and Muhle Nje while the closing track, Kuhl ukubambana is more typical of the driving jungle drums with huge choirs of voices, and is arguably the best track of all.

If you appreciate your African music this album would fit into your collection quite well, and to those of you who may want to listen occasionally to something different from your normal fare, this might be of interest. - Ducks Crossing Publications


"Bavimbeni CD review"

Chris Gudu hails from Zimbabwe where he grew up not only playing musical instruments and singing with his family, but actually making the instruments.

Prior to moving to Australia, he has performed with Wells Fargo in Zimbabwe, Maluju and Thuza in South Africa and toured with Matonto in the UK.

Chris formed his own band Jive Kayana, playing what is often referred to as Township Jive Music and is better known in Southern Africa as Umbaqanga music which sometimes presents a touch of Afro jazz.

Most of the songs are sung in his native language, but on the slick the meaning of each song is explained.Gudu plays most of the instruments on the album while friends assisted with keyboards and guitars.

The first two songs Bavimbeni and Pretty Baby are sort of reggae shuffles, featuring a male chorus and chanting They are both catchy and happy songs.
In fact the whole album is typically uplifting and joyful.

I do not claim to be educated much about African rhythms, but this is an album that is good to dance to whether I'm dancing in 4-4 time or 6-8, I don't know!
Jabula Time is more upbeat, while Before Sunset is a ballad.

On this track at the start the melody seems forced, perhaps this is typical of the way this kind of music is sung, but the female chorus carries this song to make it one of the stronger tracks on the album.

Hamba Lugege is a social commentary song, on which Gudu raps over the African rhythms.

Keyboards are used in the arrangements of Wairimo Wanga and Muhle Nje while the closing track, Kuhl ukubambana is more typical of the driving jungle drums with huge choirs of voices, and is arguably the best track of all.

If you appreciate your African music this album would fit into your collection quite well, and to those of you who may want to listen occasionally to something different from your normal fare, this might be of interest. - Ducks Crossing Publications


Discography

Imnandi - 2011

Bavimbeni - 2007

Rhythm of the Brave (Jive Kayana) - 2002

Photos

Bio

Chris Kayana Gudu hails from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe where he grew up not only playing musical instruments and singing with his family, but also crafting the instruments - namely guitars and drums
He readily switches between drums and bass. Such is his versatility.

Chris has performed with some leading world artists including:
- Touring Australia and New Zealand with Hugh Masekala
- Playing drums for the late Brian Sibalo
- Bass for Afro soul group Wells Fargo in Zimbabwe
- Touring with Maluju and Thuza (South Africa) as support with Matonto across the United Kingdom
- Sharing the stage with Angelique Kidjo and Vusi Mahlasela
- Being hand-picked by the Virgin management to perform for VIP guests on the very first Virgin Australia flight to Johannesburg from Melbourne.

Chris has also performed at prestigious and iconic venues such as The Sydney Opera House, The Basement, Sydney and Melbourne’s Hamer Hall.

His up tempo and exuberant music is what is often referred to as “Township Jive Music” and is better known in Southern Africa as Umbaqanga music which sometimes presents a touch of Afro jazz.
Umbaqanga music originates from the streets and shebeens of Soweto, spreading all through and across Southern Africa.

Describing his style of music, Chris says “When you listen to the music, it doesn’t tell you to sit down and listen- it tells you to get up and dance!

Chris is an exhilarating and passionate performer and as you will hear on his latest CD Imnandi, his quality is ever present.

In Zimbabwe, Chris was witness to changes from white minority rule to independence to more recently socio-economic catastrophe. Although he is now based in Australia, Chris still maintains close ties with his home country Zimbabwe.
He has had several number one hits with in Zimbabwe with Matonto, a band formed with brother Calvin Gudu.
His home grown sound really states the origin of his music.

His songs have many messages including that of peace. Peace for the world.... peace for Zimbabwe. There is no political motivation for his message, just a gentle raising of awareness amidst powerful rhythms.
Experience the exhilarating, passionate and powerful rhythms of Zimbabwe!

The Chris Gudu band features a line-up of highly talented and experienced musicians who perform with as much passion and dedication as the man himself.

The band is comprised of:

Michael Coggins – Music Director and lead guitar
BMus – ANU, 2004
Michael has worked with many leading African, Reggae, Jazz and Soul artists, such as Chris Gudu, Gervais Koffi and the African Diaspora, Afro Moses, Darren Percival, Pat Powell, The 10 Guitar Project, Dr Feel good, Soul Motel, and many more. He has
Michael has also toured extensively, both within Australia and internationally including trips to South Africa, New Zealand and East Timor.

Ryan Tawhai Baker
Vocals and Rhythm Guitar
Bachelor of Arts Contemporary Music AIM

Andrew Morris
Bass

Jasper Sardokee
Drums
BMus Wesley Institute

Influences:
• Fela Kuti

• Hugh Masekela

• Oliver Mtukudzi

• Cesaria Evora

• Miriam Makeba

• Robert Cray

• Buddy Guy