14/12/2025
FEATURE || Tracing the Impact of Rhumba in Zimbabwe.
Congolese Rhumba made a huge mark on Zimbabwean and broader African music, a legacy that continues to resonate today. In Zimbabwe, the genre’s roots can be traced back to the pre-independence era, when ex-combatants returning from training or exile brought with them records from the Congo.
Political instability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during the 1980s and 1990s saw several Congolese bands relocate to Zimbabwe. Groups such as Real Sounds of Africa, Lubumbashi Stars, OK Success, and Diamond Musica found a new home and, in the process, profoundly enriched the local music landscape.
The late Deans Patrick Mutume, a Radio 2 (now Radio Zimbabwe) presenter and disc jockey, played a central role in popularising Rhumba through his Sunday afternoon programme, Africa Yotinhira. At the same time, the rise of flea markets made the music more accessible, with pirated cassettes—and later CDs—circulating widely.
Live performance venues were equally crucial in nurturing the genre. Spaces such as the former Liz Hotel, the now-defunct Chez Ntemba, Hollys Hotel, Jimmy Jimalo, Mushandirapamwe Hotel, and Tipperary became vibrant hubs for Rhumba. Promoters including Philip Chiyangwa and former Zambian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Ben Shawa were instrumental in driving the genre’s growth.
Local musicians particularly in Sungura and Gospel began weaving Rhumba elements into their sound, while Congolese bands incorporated local languages to widen their appeal. Dance groups also emerged as key attractions at social and cultural events, though many later disbanded.
Notable Rhumba artists and groups that made their mark in Zimbabwe include Real Sounds of Africa, Lubumbashi Stars, BV Labien, Diamond Musica, Bana DeSas, College Musica, Inter-Musica, TP Nyekese, Peter Tangwena, Juntal mong others.
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