It is a sad week for Zimbabwean music, as a founding member of legendary jit band Bhundu Boys, Rise Kagona, has passed away. The music icon, who was now residing in Scotland, is reported to have died in the early hours of Wednesday morning at the age of 62.
Kagona was one of the last two surviving members of the iconic Bhundu Boys, and although the band had long separated he was still an active musician, performing in Scotland with his Jit Jive Band. His most recent performances include the Edinburgh Multicultural Festival, Moniaive Folk Festival, and on the sidelines of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.
The guitarist was the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Zimbabwe Scotland Society in 2022.
“Sad, sad day for Zimbabwean music, the leader and founder of one of Zimbabwe’s celebrated bands The Bhundu Boys Rise Kagona has died. He will be dearly missed.” – Marshall Shonhai, author and event organiser
Formed at the dawn of Independence in 1980, The Bhundu Boys created a new genre of sound by the name of jit, and were responsible hits such as “Simbimbino,” “Babamunini Francis,” “Hatisi Tose,” and “Kuroja Chete.”
At its formation the band comprised of Rise Kagona, Shakie Kangwena, Shepherd Mutamba, Charles Vhiyazhi Zuze and Washington Kavhai and Biggie Tembo. David Mankaba and Kenny Chitsvatsva would join the band later. The popularity of the band saw them export jit to the UK.
Kenny Chitsvatsva is now the last remaining member of the band.
