Biography
Chris Kayana Gudu hails from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe where he grew up not only playing musical instruments and singing with his brothers, but actually making the instruments, namely guitars and drums. "I even remember one time when my brother made a microphone which worked really well" he recalls.
As well as singing and dancing Chris has always switched between drums and bass guitar. Before he left home for England in 1990 he was well established as a drummer more than a bass player, playing with one of, if not the most popular gospel singer at that time, Brian Sibalo. After playing drums for Brian Sibalo he picked up his bass again and joined an afro soul-group Wells Fargo where he played with a couple of musicians from the world famous Oliver Mtukudzi's band.
When Chris moved to London, England he played with a number of groups such as Maluju and Thuza both from South Africa. It was not long before Chris and his brother Calvin Gudu who is famous for a number of hits all across southern Africa as well as being a producer formed their own band Matonto. Besides the backing and session musicians the group also featured two other girls from South Africa and Zimbabwe, Nobizo Mkhwananzi and Sime Mlaphisani as front liners. The four piece Matonto toured around England and commanded a large following in Southern Africa secondary to hits such as Umendo, Ncam Ncam and more. Chris also co-produced the Number 1 hit “Tombfara" which remained at the top of the charts for months.
It was whilst in Europe that Chris performed with some of the international African greats such as Angelique Kidjo amongst others. All the time Chris was developing his own songwriting, production and performance skills, much of which was taken on board by his peers in the their recordings.
When Chris moved to Australia in September 1997 he picked up his bass again and formed his own band Jive Kayana. Chris the bass playing lead singer is also an accomplished composer and arranger. The up tempo and exuberant music of Jive Kayana is what is often referred to as township jive music. It is better know back 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..
Jive Kayana recently released the album Rhythm of the Brave under the Jumparound Productions label, and Hardrush are proud to have signed Chris Gudu in December 2006 for his first release "Bavimbeni".
The Facts
Name:
Chris Gudu
Chris GuduGenre: Roots, World, Gospel
Roots, World, GospelHome Town: Sydney, NSW Australia
Highlights: South Africa tours, London residency
South Africa tours, London residencyRecordings: Bavimbeni
Downloads: MP3
