The Bhundu Boys – Hupenyu Hwangu (1984)
Final instalment of this evening’s exhibition of the relentless musical genre (which, I note, has yet to go “viral” as a concept among the young folk of today).
Like many people, John Peel (and then Andy Kershaw) was my window into African guitar music in the mid 1980s. The Bhundu Boys were the Zimbabwean kings of the oeuvre and “Hupenyu Hwangu” is, in my opinion, the pinnacle of their achievements. Although it first surfaced in the UK on the wonderful Shabini LP, wikipedia tells me the original Zimbabwean release was two years earlier.
Apart from being scintillating, life affirming, pop music, this record is also relentless. The riff never stops whatever happens to the bass and drums.
Studio version followed by a live cut which is perfect pop music!
I went to see them at the Manchester International club in 1986. Had one of the best nights of my life dancing to the Boys’ joyful music, and we met them outside afterwards as they were climbing into the back of a transit van… Shook their hands and thanked them profusely – I think we (bunch of grinning 20-year-olds, dripping with sweat) might have been an alarming sight, but they were very gracious and humble. Just managed to download Shabini (undoubtedly their best album in my opinion) which has made me very happy 25 years later! Thanks for posting this – I agree that they are right up there amongst the best. Matt