Ilanga

about

Ilanga formed in 1986, fronted by singer Comrade Chinx and guitarist Andy Brown, formerly of the band Rusike. Ilanga burned bright for three years, their blend of Shona, Ndebele and Western sounds proved very popular in Zimbabwe – lots of keyboards and a strong bassline. “Visions Foretold” (1987) was their first album and quickly led to favourable comparisons with South Africa’s Ray Phiri and Stimela – another hybrid of traditional and jazz. While Ray Phiri had to 'whisper in the deep' at the time, Ilanga could defy apartheid South Africa openly; as in the track "Botha" .. 'Botha, what you gonna do when Azania is free ... you just have to jump into the sea ... time is running out for you ... where you gonna run, where you gonna hide ...". Although they were only together for three years they produced two critically acclaimed albums, with their crowning moment being their participation in the 1988 Human Rights Concert in Harare which featured such superstars as Tracy Chapman, Bruce Springsteen, Peter Gabriel, Youssou N'Dour, and the Bhundu Boys. Hit songs included True Love and Shosholoza. Eventually, cracks formed under conflict between guitarist Don Gumbo and lead singer Andy Brown. When Andy Brown left to form his own band in 1989, the Storm, Ilanga continued playing with Busi Ncube as their main vocalist. The 1989 release Women of Africa: Busi Ncube was recorded with Ilanga backing her up. However, the band has since disbanded. Andy Brown and the Storm have found s

top songs

albums

Greatest Hits

▥

Harare Hit Parade 4 :: 1985-87

▥

Ilanga's Substitution

▥

Sweet Mother: Afro-Pop Essentials

Ilanga

▥

Beyond Fela: The Many Sounds of Africa

Visions Foretold

▥

Tales of Zimbabwe

▥

Ilanga - Greatest Hits

▥

Zimbabwe Serenades Vol 4

▥

African Serenades Vol 37 - Zimbabwe Special Tony

▥

African Serenades Vol 37 - Zimbabwe Special

similar artists