Four Brothers (band)

Last updated
The Four Brothers
Origin Harare, Zimbabwe
GenresPop
Years active1977-2002
Labels Cooking Vinyl, Gramma Records
Past members
  • Marshall Munhumumwe (Principal founder)
  • Never Mutare (Founder)
  • Edward Matigasi (Founder)
  • Aleck Chipaika (Founder)
  • Frank Sibanda
  • Albert Ruwizhi
  • Robium Chauraya
  • Edward Zulu
  • James Nyamande

The Four Brothers were a pop group from Zimbabwe. [1] [2] The members were not brothers. They played fast-paced guitar-based pop music with songs sung in the Shona language. Their lead guitar string-plucking sound is reminiscent of the sound of the African mbira instrument and is a style known as jit.

Contents

History

Founded in Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia) in 1977 by Marshall Munhumumwe and Never Mutare with Edward Matigasi and Aleck Chipaika, the band gained international recognition in the late 1980s with UK BBC Radio 1 DJ John Peel being their most well-known advocate. [3]

Marshall Munhumumwe was the maternal uncle of Zimbabwean star Thomas Mapfumo. Marshall Munhumumwe was the last born in the family of Thomas Mapfumo's mother.

At the time the Four Brothers formed, bands in Rhodesia were not allowed to play traditional African music. The Four Brothers therefore played rock and roll cover versions of well-known artists such as the Beatles. They took up a residency position at the Saratoga bar in Salisbury (now Harare).

After the Chimurenga war of independence in Zimbabwe, it became possible to again play traditional music. The band's format and instruments are influenced by western rock and roll but the sound is evidently originating from Africa. The lead guitar is played in such a way as to sound like mbira. Most of the early recordings were produced at Shed Studios, by Bothwell Nyamhondera, during sessions for Gramma Records.

Marshall Munhumumwe wrote most of the band's songs and music as well as unusually being both the lead singer and drummer. Their first big hit in Zimbabwe, 'Makorokoto', celebrated Zimbabwean independence. 'Makorokoto' means 'congratulations' in the Shona language.

International recognition

After signing a deal with British record label Cooking Vinyl, the band toured the UK and Canada. At this point a rift appeared between Marshall Munhumumwe and Patrick Mukwamba as he claims he was cut out of the deal and left behind. This tour apparently brought the band a greater degree of musical freedom, enabling them to buy new instruments and to record more.

BBC Radio 1 DJ John Peel championed The Four Brothers in the UK. They recorded four radio sessions for his show between 1988 and 2000. The band played at Peel's surprise 50th birthday party at his home and he selected 'Pasi Pano Pane Zviedzo' as one of his favourite records of all time on the radio show Desert Island Discs in 1990. Peel is often quoted as describing the Four Brothers as "..the best live band in the world". [3]

Death of main members

In 1997 founder member Marshall Munhumumwe suffered a stroke, following a car crash. He was unable to continue to perform with the band and was replaced by Albert Ruwizhi. Munhumumwe died in 2001 at the age of 49 and the following year bass guitarist Never Mutare died. The last surviving member, Frank Sibanda, died peacefully in December 2010.

Controversy and legacy

In 2007, former band member James Nyamande, who had been kicked out by Frank Sibanda after its demise in 2002, attempted to resuscitate the band but failed. By then he had formed his own band, the Makombe Brothers, which performed several Four Brothers songs. In 2012, Nyamande released an album under the Four Brothers name in an attempt to maintain the band's legacy, but was ordered by a civil court not to use the name, after objection from Marshall Munhumumwe's family.

In 2000 Marshall Munhumumwe bought a house next door to Patrick Mukwamba in Seke Township. He moved in with his second wife, Joanna, his oldest son, Marshall Munhumumwe Jr., and Shingayi Munhumumwe, his second-born son, both from his first marriage.

In 2016, Marshall Munhumumwe Jr., the son of the founder, joined the new Four Brothers/Makombe Brothers band as their administrator, to maintain his father's legacy.

Discography and band members

Mandega/Makorokoto

(7-inch single 1977) Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC)

Mandega (Doing it alone) - Their 1st song. Makorokoto (Congratulations) - Their 1st hit.

  1. Mandega
  2. Makorokoto

Rugare

(US LP/Cassette 1986) WEA Records/Tusk Music Company SUH1048/ZSUH1048

Marshall Munhumunwe - lead vocals, drums, composer

  1. Rugare
  2. Pahukama
  3. Uchandifunga
  4. Wakasarudza Akanaka
  5. Unondichemera Unondipei
  6. Usagare Ne Chigumbu
  7. Ndakatadzeiko
  8. Swere Ngoma

Ndakatambura Newe

(LP 1987) Kumusha/Gramma Records KSALP119

  1. Ndakatambura Newe
  2. Nhaka Yemusiiranwa
  3. Ane Mari Ndiye Mukuru
  4. Chiiko Ichi?
  5. Mashoko Ababa Namai
  6. Zvaita Sei?
  7. Vematongo Rooranai
  8. Udza Vamwe Vako

Title

Patrick Mkwamba and The Four Brothers

  1. Zvinonaka Zvinodhura
  2. Dai Ndiri Shiri
  3. ..

Tonosangana Ikoko

Patrick Mkwamba and The Four Brothers

(LP 1984) Kumusha/Gramma Records KSALP104

  1. Wapenga Nayo Bonus
  2. Vakakunda Zviedzo
  3. Kubhawa Handigare
  4. Emeriya Usanyengedzwe
  5. Mombe Youmai
  6. Uri Tsotsi
  7. Ndatendeuka
  8. Mwana Wandaida Kuroora

Rudo Chete

(LP 1988) Kumusha/Gramma Records KSALP124

  1. Rudo Chete
  2. Ngatipindukewo
  3. Vabereki
  4. Wakazvarwa Sei
  5. Kutambura Chete
  6. Munondizvidza
  7. Chenjerera Ngozi
  8. Nhamo

Uchandifunga

(UK 12-inch single 1988) (Recorded at Shed Studios , Harare, Zimbabwe) Cooking Vinyl FRY005T

  1. Uchandifunga (Dance remix)
  2. Makorokoto (lyrics wanted by public demand)
  3. Guhwa Uri Mwana Waani

Vimbayi

(7-inch single 1988) Gramma Records

  1. Vimbayi Part I
  2. ..

Makorokoto

(UK compilation CD/LP Gramma Records 1988 © Cooking Vinyl 1989) Cooking Vinyl COOKCD014/COOK014

Marshall Munhumumwe - drums and lead vocals Never Mutare – bass and vocals Aleck Chipaika – rhythm guitar and vocals Edward Matiyasi – lead guitar and vocals

Makorokoto was released on the UK on the Cooking Vinyl record label and uses A Serengeti licensed product from Gramma Records, Zimbabwe. It was a CD and LP release. The CD contains all 16 tracks while the LP version contains only 10 tracks. When the LP Bros was released the following year, the tracks that did not appear on the Makorokoto LP were included as a free six-track EP. Gramma Records/Cooking Vinyl CHEF002X

  1. Uchandifunga
  2. Vimbayi (2)
  3. Rumbidzai (6)
  4. Makorokoto
  5. Rudo Imoto (1)
  6. Pasi Pano Pane Zviedzo (4)
  7. Maishoko Ababa Namai (3)
  8. Guhwa Uri Mwana Waani
  9. Wapenga Nayo Bonus
  10. Siya Zviriko (5)
  11. Rugare
  12. Ndakatadzeiko
  13. Pamusoroi
  14. Nhaka Yemusiiranwa
  15. Sara Tasangana
  16. Ndakatambura

Makorokoto

(UK 7-inch single) Earthworks DIG002

  1. Makorokoto
  2. Wasira Kupurezha

The Peel Seesions

(UK 12-inch red vinyl EP 1988) BBC Enterprises Ltd./Strange Fruit SFPS070

Never Mutare - bass and backing vocals Frank Sibanda - guitar and backing vocals Alick Chipaika - guitar and backing vocals Marshall Ticharwa Munhumumwe - drums and lead vocals

  1. Rugare
  2. Uchandifunga
  3. Vimbayi
  4. Pahukama

Pasi Pano Pane Zviedzo

(7-inch single 1989)

  1. Pasi Pano Pane Zviedzo
  2. ..

Bros

(UK CD/LP 1989) Cooking Vinyl COOKCD023/COOK023

Frank Sibanda replaced Edward Matiyasi – Lead guitar and vocals

  1. Rudo Chete
  2. Ngatipindukewo
  3. Nhamo
  4. Kutambura Chete
  5. Zuro Chisara
  6. Munondizvidza
  7. Vabereki
  8. Chenjerera Ngozi
  9. Wakazvarwa

The Best Of The Four Brothers (Makorokoto)

(US compilation CD 1990) Atomic Theory ATD1106

  1. Uchandifunga
  2. Vimbayi
  3. Rumbidzai
  4. Makorokoto
  5. Rudo Imoto
  6. Pasi Pano Pane Zviedzo
  7. Maishoko Ababa Namai
  8. Guhwa Uri Mwana Waani
  9. Wapenga Nayo Bonus
  10. Siya Zviriko
  11. Rugare
  12. Ndakatadzeiko
  13. Pamusoroi
  14. Nhaka Yemusiiranwa
  15. Sara Tasangana
  16. Ndakatambura

Mukadzi Wepiri

(LP 1990) Kumusha/Gramma Records KSALP129

  1. Mukadzi Wepiri
  2. Chidhakwa
  3. Mazita Nezviito
  4. Zvakona
  5. Chiroora
  6. Tezvara
  7. Musandodaro
  8. Chandavengerwa

Wachiveiko?

Marshall Munhumumwe & The Four Brothers

(LP, Cassette 1993) Kumusha/Gramma Records KSALP147, L4KSALP147

  1. Wachiveiko?
  2. Ndiregerei
  3. Karingazuva
  4. Ndatove Muranda
  5. Kana Wangoroora
  6. Zvichakunetsa
  7. Regai Nditaure

Mambakwedza

Marshall Munhumumwe and Four Brothers

(LP 1994) Gramma Records

  1. Gona Ramachingura
  2. Nditumbure
  3. Muranda
  4. Mwana Wezimbabwe
  5. Buka Tiende
  6. Mhuri Yandiremera
  7. Pfumo Rangu
  8. Musha Waparara

Kumawere

(LP 1994) Gramma Records

  1. Kumawere
  2. Maivepi Pandaikudai
  3. Hapana Asina Muvengi
  4. Matinetsa
  5. Mativenga
  6. Hama Dzatipfuvisa
  7. Chero Uchindida

Mbereko Yakaramba

Marshall Munhumumwe and Four Brothers

(LP 1994)

  1. Mbereko Yakaramba
  2. Ndivumbamireiwo
  3. Takabva Neko
  4. Chawanzwa Usachipamhidzire
  5. Chandagona Ndipembedzeiwo
  6. Tichakunda Chete
  7. Shungu Hadziuraye

Pfimbi Yemashoko

(LP) Gramma Records

  1. ..

Ndivhumbamireiwo

(7-inch single 1996) Zimbabwe Music Corporation (ZMC) FYF559

  1. Ndivhumbamireiwo Part I
  2. Ndivhumbamireiwo Part II

Greatest Hits 1994 To 1996

Marshall Munhumumwe and Four Brothers

(compilation CD 1996) Zimbabwe Music Corporation (ZMC) CDZIL308

  1. Ndibvumbamireiwo
  2. Matinetsa
  3. Chero Uchindida
  4. Vatendi
  5. Tauraya Rudzi Rwedu
  6. Rudo Rukave Ruvengo
  7. Mbereko Yakaramba
  8. Mativenga
  9. Chawanzwa Usachipamhidzire
  10. Kumawere

The Hits Of The Four Brothers Volume 2

(compilation CD 1996) Gramma Records ZCD121

  1. Pfimbi Yemashoko
  2. Wachiveiko
  3. Rwendo Rusina Muperekedzi
  4. Vimbayi
  5. Ane Mari Ndiye Mukuru
  6. Rudo Imoto
  7. Rudo Chete
  8. Mwambakwedza
  9. Wadiwa Musamuzonde
  10. Ndakatambura Newe
  11. Rugare
  12. Siya Zviriko
  13. Guhwa Uri Mwana Waani

Manga Manga

(UK CD 1998) Positive Cultural Promotions (PCP) PCPCD02

Never Mutare – bass guitar and backing vocals Frank Sibanda – lead and acoustic guitar and backing vocals Albert Ruwizhi – drums and lead vocals Robium Chauraya – rhythm guitar and backing vocals (Aleck Chipaika played keyboards at around this time but does not appear on the CD)

  1. Hapana Achanyara
  2. Usagare Nechigumba
  3. Mugomba
  4. Vana Ve Mazuvaano
  5. Ndinotenda
  6. Hunhu Wemunhu
  7. Chakaipa Chiri Nyore
  8. Sarudzai Waenda
  9. Vamwene Vanoshusha

Early Hits Of The Four Brothers

(compilation CD 2000) Gramma Records CDGRAMMA182

  1. Uchandifunga
  2. Vimbayi
  3. Rumbidzai
  4. Makorokoto
  5. Rudo Imoto
  6. Pasi Pano Pane Zviedzo
  7. Maishoko Ababa Namai
  8. Guhwa Uri Mwana Waani
  9. Wapenga Nayo Bonus
  10. Siya Zviriko
  11. Rugare
  12. Ndakatadzeiko
  13. Pamusoroi
  14. Nhaka Yemusiiranwa

Zvehama

(Cassette 2002) Zimbabwe Music Corporation (ZMC) ZC361

  1. ..

Ruvengo

(CD 2004) Gramma Records

  1. Shungu Dzangu
  2. Ruvengo
  3. Rufu
  4. Kunaka Kwechimwe
  5. Mwari Baba
  6. Molini
  7. Hwenyakwese
  8. Shinga Mwanangu
  9. Shinga mwanangu


The recordings of The Four Brothers appear on many compilation albums. 'Pasi Pano Pane Zviedzo' appears on the 2006 compilation in tribute to John Peel Right Time, Wrong Speed.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Conflict (band)</span> English punk band

Conflict is an English anarcho-punk band originally based in Eltham in South London. Formed in 1981, the band's original line up consisted of: Colin Jerwood (vocals), Francisco 'Paco' Carreno (drums), John, Steve (guitars), Pauline (vocals), Paul a.k.a. 'Nihilistic Nobody' (visuals). Their first release was the EP "The House That Man Built" on Crass Records. By the time they released their first album, It's Time to See Who's Who, on Corpus Christi Records, Pauline and Paul had left the band. Conflict later set up its own Mortarhate Records label, which put out releases by other artists including Hagar the Womb, Icons of Filth, Lost Cherrees, The Apostles, and Stalag 17.

The Bhundu Boys were a Zimbabwean band that played a mixture of chimurenga music with American rock and roll, disco, country, and pop influences. Their style became known as jit, and is quite popular across Africa, with some international success, and has influenced later groups like Nehoreka and Mokoomba. British world music DJ Andy Kershaw said that at the height of their magical powers they were "...the single most natural, effortless, catchy pop band I've ever heard"; the BBC's John Peel famously broke down in tears the first time he saw the band perform live.

Colorblind James Experience was an American alternative roots/pop/rock band. Bandleader and singer/songwriter/guitarist "Colorblind" James Charles Cuminale was originally from Rochester, New York, but assembled early versions of what would become the Experience in Oswego, New York, before relocating to San Francisco, California. After a couple years of mixed results there, the band regrouped and moved again, this time back to Rochester which remained its home base until Cuminale's premature death in 2001. The band enjoyed brief fame in the UK and Europe after BBC DJ John Peel gave the Experience some exposure. Their "Dance Critters" single reached number 10 on the UK Indie Chart, while their albums Colorblind James Experience and Why Should I Stand Up reached numbers 5 and 13 respectively.

<i>Garlands</i> (album) 1982 album by the Cocteau Twins

Garlands is the debut studio album by the Scottish alternative rock band Cocteau Twins. It was released on 10 July 1982 through the record label 4AD. It peaked in the Top 5 of the UK Independent Albums Chart and received support from BBC Radio 1 radio host John Peel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Even as We Speak</span> Australian indie band

Even As We Speak is an Australian indie band from Sydney. Formed in the mid-1980s, founding members Matthew Love and Mary Wyer were later joined by Rob Irwin (bass) Anita Rayner, Paul Clarke and Julian Knowles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Nightingales</span> British band

Nightingales are a British post-punk/alternative rock band, formed in 1979 in Birmingham, England, by four members of Birmingham's punk group The Prefects. They had been part of The Clash's 'White Riot Tour', recorded a couple of Peel Sessions, released a 45 on Rough Trade and, years after splitting up, had a retrospective CD released by US indie label Acute Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cap'n Jazz</span> American emo band

Cap'n Jazz is an American emo band from Buffalo Grove, Illinois.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Doom (British band)</span> English crust punk band

Doom are an English hardcore punk band from Birmingham whose first lineup were together from 1987 to 1990. Despite its short existence, the band is considered pivotal in the rise of crust punk, a genre of punk rock that takes influence and elements from extreme metal. They recorded for Peaceville Records and are cited as an early precursor to grindcore. Doom were also a favourite of BBC Radio DJ John Peel.

Electric Frankenstein is an American punk revival band from New Jersey, founded by Sal Canzonieri in 1990. The band relocated to North Carolina in 2021. Their style is a mixture of punk rock, hard rock, garage rock, glam, and heavy metal. Their style is called High Energy Rock & Roll in the USA and in Europe it is called Action Rock.

<i>The Marshall Suite</i> 1999 studio album by The Fall

The Marshall Suite is a 1999 album by the Fall, their 20th. The album builds on the techno-influenced beats of its predecessor Levitate (1997), while also returning to a more rockabilly-influenced sound reminiscent of earlier Fall lineups with songs such as the catchy "Touch Sensitive" and the strange, complex, thumping jungle beats of "The Crying Marshal". The album was long out of print, but a new three-disc edition was released in the summer of 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Simon Chimbetu</span> Musical artist

Simon Chimbetu was a Zimbabwean guitarist, vocalist and composer. He was the founding member of his band Orchestra Dendera Kings. He was known by many stage names, including "Chopper, "Mr Viscose", "Cellular", "Simomo" and "Mukoma Sam".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Soledad Brothers (band)</span> American garage rock band

Soledad Brothers were an American garage rock trio from Maumee, Ohio. Taking strong influence from blues rock, the band consisted of Ben Swank on drums, Johnny Walker on guitar and vocals, and Oliver Henry on sax and guitar. The band produced four albums: Soledad Brothers (2000), Steal Your Soul and Dare Your Spirit to Move (2002), Voice of Treason (2003), and The Hardest Walk (2006).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Comet Gain</span> British indie pop band

Comet Gain are a British indie pop band, formed by singer-songwriter and guitarist David Christian in 1992, with musical influences including post-punk and northern soul. Pitchfork called them "one of the most underrated contemporary indie bands in the UK".

The Stupids are an English hardcore punk band formed in the 1980s by Tom Withers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Witchcraft (band)</span> Swedish doom metal band

Witchcraft is a Swedish doom metal band founded in 2000.

Bullet Union were a punk band based in Camden Town, London. Their sound was influenced by Drive Like Jehu, Sonic Youth and Unwound.

<i>Mono</i> (The Icarus Line album) 2001 studio album by The Icarus Line

Mono was the first album from The Icarus Line. It was originally released May 8, 2001 in the U.S. by Crank! Records on CD, and Buddyhead on LP.

BOB were an indie pop band from North London, England, formed in 1986.

Funuel Nyasha Tazvida, best known as System Tazvida, was a Zimbabwean musician born on 2 May 1968 in Zaka Masvingo during the Rhodesia era of modern day Zimbabwe, who was very popular in his home country mainly in the 1990s, though not as well known internationally. System Tazvidas music was sung more in a satirical manner but was very pregnant with meaning; by his lyrics he acted as a social commentator on various issues that affect people in their day to day living. Tazvida wrote and performed songs mainly in his native Shona language.

<i>Jack Elliott</i> (album) 1964 American folk music album

Jack Elliott is an album by American folk musician Ramblin' Jack Elliott, released in 1964. It was his only principal release on the Vanguard label.

References

  1. "The Four Brothers' journey". The Herald. Retrieved 2020-06-10.
  2. "The Four Brothers". Pindula. 2019-07-29. Retrieved 2020-06-10.
  3. 1 2 Dennis, Jon (2005-10-12). "Jon Dennis analyses John Peel's top 20 albums". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 2020-06-10.