Five things you probably did not know about the late John Chibadura

The late John Chibadura who died on August 4, 1999 would have turned 60 today. He was born on February 17, 1957. Here are five interesting facts you probably did not know or have forgotten about one of the best sungura and reggae artist in Zimbabwe:

1. Chibadura was born John Nyamukokoko on 17 February 1957. His ability to play the guitar earned him the nickname ‘Chibadura’ meaning the man who can do the best on the guitar. In February 1980, Chibadura relocated from Darwendale to Salisbury (present day Harare) in company of his friend Shepherd Chinyani. During this time, Chibadura was known as Enock Chimukoko.
2. Chibadura launched his musical career in Harare together with Chinyani who became part of a band known as The Holy Brothers.  Chibadura together with Chinyani teamed with Ronnie Gatakata, Bata Sintirawo popularly known as Manyowa and they started performing in Mutoko at a certain hotel before they relocated to Domboshawa after they were being continuously ill-treated by the owner of the hotel at Mutoko.
3. In Domboshawa, they signed a contract which enabled them to perform at Mverechena Hotel and the band was subsequently named The Mverechena Band. After being offered a contract to perform at Mushandirapamwe Hotel in Highfield, the Mverechena Band left Domboshawa for Harare and they assumed a new name, The Sungura Boys being led by Chibadura. The band released albums such as Sara Ugarike, Rugare Tangenhamo which all sold more than 100 000 copies.
4. There are conflicting reports regarding the actual year in which Chibadura formed his Tembo Brothers. It was reported that it was in 1983 when Chibadura decided to try his luck in music when he was inspired by some of the then well-established artists who were performing in the local beer halls which Chibadura frequently visited. It was also reported that, it was in 1985 when Chibudara left The Sungura Boys to form the Tembo Brothers.
5. Chibadura and his band, the Tembo Brothers managed to gain recognition internationally. The band toured the United Kingdom twice and in 1988 band was invited to be a guest on Andy Kershaw’s Radio 1 show.

You can read more on Chibadura here