Once more due to overwhelming reader demand the Harare Hits compilations are back. Like mbaqanga, the electric urban sounds of Zimbabwe between the late seventies and mid-eighties hold a special place in many people's hearts. These were different times with a sense of optimism midst daily struggles and a nation still drunk with liberty. It's blistering dancefloor pop in any language that still speaks today. Enjoy this time capsule from the past that keeps us from forgetting what can be possible. These were originally compiled by Tony Hunter who spent time teaching in Zimbabwe in the early part of the 80s.
Harare Hit Parade 1: 1980-81
01. Oliver Mtukudzi and the Black Spirits- Africa
02. Oliver Mtukudzi and the Black Spirits – Cheka Hukama
03. Oliver Mtukudzi and the Black Spirits – Madzongo Nyedze
04. Oliver Mtukudzi and the Black Spirits – Seiko
05. Elijah Madzikatire and Ocean City Band – Very Sorry
06. Elijah Madzikatire and Ocean City Band – Gukura Hundi
07. Devera Ngwena Jazz Band – Zhimozhzhi
08. Devera Ngwena Jazz Band – Barba Mwana Wakanaka
09. Devera Ngwena Jazz Band – Ruva Remoyo Wangu
10. Job Mashanda and the Muddy face – Zuva Rakabuda
11. Oliver Mtukudzi and the Black Spirits – Shanje
12. Oliver Mtukudzi and the Black Spirits – Reura
13. Zexie Manatsa and the Green Arrows – Chivaraidze
14. Zexie Manatsa and the Green Arrows – Tambayi Makachenjera
MF
Harare Hit Parade 2: 1981-84
01. Lovemore Majaivana and Jobs Combination – Okwabanye
02. Lovemore Majaivana and Jobs Combination – Isitmela
03. Lovemore Majaivana and Jobs Combination – Amanda
04. Africa Melody – Africa Yakanaka
05. Africa Melody – Emma Rega Kuchema
06. Oliver Mtukudzi and the Black Spirits – Kumhunga
07. Oliver Mtukudzi and the Black Spirits – Tinomuchema
08. Oliver Mtukudzi and the Black Spirits – Yeukai
09. Marxist Brothers – Mwana We Dangwe
10. Safirio Madzikatire and Sea Cottage Sisters – Katarina
11. Zexie Manatsa and the Green Arrows – Tiyi Hobvu
12. Pied Pipers – Amayo
13. Patrick Mkwamba and the Four Brothers – Vakakunda Zviedzo
14. Patrick Mkwamba and the Four Brothers – Wapenga Nayo Bonus
15. Sungura Boys - Mandi
MF
Harare Hit Parade 3: 1985-86
01. Jobs Combination – Imali
02. Jobs Combination – Mary
03. Jobs Combination – Ekhaya
04. Jobs Combination – Isimanga Sendoda
05. Jobs Combination – Usathane Simehlule
06. Fallen Heroes – Uthando Lwemali
07. Robson Banda and the New Black Eagles – Huya Tshande
08. Kassongo Band – Panyadzonya
09. Marxist Brothers – Sekuyo Ndipeiwo Zano
10. Marxist Brothers – Mari
11. Marxist Brothers – Kunjere Kunjere
12. Oliver Mtukudzi a and the Black Spirits – Chenjera
13. Oliver Mtukudzi and the Black Spirits – Mhaka
14. Oliver Mtukudzi and the Black Spirits – Munamato Yedu
MF
Harare Hit Parade 4: 1985-1987
01. Robson Banda and the New Black Eagles - Maria
02. Robson Banda and the New Black Eagles -Emmah
03. Jairos Jiri Band - Chando Chinouraya
04. Jairos Jiri Band - Mai Murambatsvina
05. Jairos Jiri Band - Ndezvedu
06. Jairos Jiri Band - Sarah
07. Jairos Jiri Band - Zvemumba Medu
08. Oliver Mtukudzi - Gona
09. Oliver Mtukudzi - Jeri
10. Ilanga - Somandhla
MF
Abso-bloody-lutely fantastic stuff. You're a gent junior, and a hero Matt, for sharing this stuff like this. Brings the sun out.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much !!!
ReplyDeleteAn oldie but a goodie. So many goodies!
ReplyDeletethank you very much for re-upping these wonderful sounds....great to hear Oliver's voice as it was back in the days, quite raw when compared to the more recent albums which are still available commercially...on a side note does anyone know if there's any recording of the "Wagon Wheels", the group which included both Oliver Mtukudzi and Thomas Mapfumo? Hard try I fear, but I guess this is The place to ask such a question...another collection which could do with a new download link woud be the first collection of Mapfumo's 45s just in case...
ReplyDeleteAwesome, bummer that Amazons denying vol. 4 as download
ReplyDeleteThanks very much, looking forward to hearing these!
ReplyDeleteglad at least one artist is gettin an offical reissue :)
ReplyDeleteViva Africa The Cradle of Music!!
ReplyDeleteGvala!!! Greetigs from Serbia!
Send Love Unlimited!!
Are these songs still downloadable. I am unfortunate in that I saw them very late. +263778252560 or chivizhen@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteAre these songs rtill downloadable. Please assist. I saw the site very late. +263778252560 or chivizhen@yahoo.com
ReplyDelete