Chris Kayana Gudu hails from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe where he grew up not only playing musical instruments and singing with his family, but actually making 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 playing drums for the late Brian Sibalo, bass for Afro soul group Wells Fargo in Zimbabwe, Maluju and Thuza from South Africa and touring with Matonto across the United Kingdom. It was whilst in Europe that Chris performed with a number of other international African greats.

 All the time Chris was developing his own songwriting, production and performance skills, much of which was taken on board by his peers in their recordings. In the process, he has performed to countless thousands of appreciative listeners.

Since picking up the bass again and giving the drum kit a rest, Chris formed his own band Jive Kayana with sell-out concerts and festivals. The 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 sheebeens of Soweto, spreading all through and across Southern Africa.

Chris is an exhilarating and passionate performer and as you will hear on his latest CD Bavimbeni (Listen to Bavimbeni), his quality is ever present. Hardrush Music president, Kelvin Fahey states “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.”

His new line-up features two beautiful African backing singers and a combination of Zimbabwean and Australian musicians. The Chris Gudu performance is worth experiencing, not just once but over and over again. The groove is magic!

http://www.chrisgudu.com/