Zig Zag Band- The Untold Story

Profile
Zig-Zag Band was famed in the yesteryear for classic hit songs that placed Zimbabwean music talent in the international spotlight. The band’s hits with a deep traditional flair included Gomo Ramasare, Hombiro, VaMandela, Nyarunde and Ropa Remukaranga.
Background
Zig Zag was a Kwekwe-based chigiyo music ensemble led by Gilbert Zvamaida. Chigiyo is a reggae-like beat fused with traditional rhythms to produce a uniquely Zimbabwean original sound. Zig-Zag suffered a number of setbacks in the mid-90s and early 2000 when the group lost some key members due to death. Among the members who died were the legendary Emmanuel Nkomo of the Gomo Rama
sare fame, Stanley Phiri, a drummer and the Lunga brothers, George and Robert. George was the voice behind the classic hits, Ropa Remukaranga and VaMashumba (Vabveni vari pano) while Robert was a genius rhythm guitarist. Band leader Gilbert Zvamaida relocated to the United States as lead guitarist for the Blacks Unlimited, a group fronted by legendary Chimurenga musician Thomas Mapfumo.
History
The band was a hit in the 1980s and mid 1990s but after the desertion of the core members the group sank into oblivion. Once upon a time, Zig-Zag Band used to release hit after hit - singles and albums - for fun in the 1980s up to mid 90s. Zig-Zag were last in the studio in 2004 when they released the album, Chigiyo Vibes Volume One. The group’s works used to appeal to Zimbabweans of diverse social standings and backgrounds before they disappeared from the musical radar for almost seven years.
Those who grew up in the 1980s up to the mid 90s, will quickly recall the group’s timeless classics like Gomo Ramasare, Nyarunde, Ropa Remukaranga, VaMandela, Hombiro and the dancehall track, Ndarimbo, among many hit tunes.
Some members came together to revive the group in 2012. The band was holding shows at a number of joints in and around Kwekwe as well as the neighbouring city of Kadoma. To signal their re-launch, the chigiyo music exponents were polishing their latest project by that time, Harder Than a Rock, a 10-track album. Band leader Steve Lion, born Stephen Lunga 43 years ago, said they will be in the studio on 7 June 2012, to record the album, the group’s ninth such project. Harder Than a Rock was to be recorded at Diamond Studios in Harare. Diamond Studios was to also market and distribute the album. The album was released in 2013.
Songs on that 2012 project included the title track, Harder Than a Rock, a song that depicted chigiyo music as indestructible, Ndinokuyeuka, Moses, Varoyi neMbavha and Chigiyo Nditakure. Chigiyo Nditakure was a danceable tune that proved to be popular with fans at live shows. Other songs that made up the album were Simukai, Pano Panyika, Mweya Mutsvene and possibly a remix of yester-year hit, Ndarimano. They also included a bonus track from one of the group’s hits of yesteryear, Forward Ever, Backward Never from the album, Mudzimu Mukuru.
Group members as of 2012
The Zig-Zag Band line-up had Lion on lead vocals and keyboards, Noel Kasirayi (drums and vocals), Sunduzwayo “Kosolo” Nyirenda (bass and vocals), Manfred Mahati (lead guitar and vocals), Julius Ziva (trumpet, rhythm guitar and backing vocals), Madison “TBR” Phiri (band manager and vocals), Isaac “Man Isaacs” Phiri (backing and lead vocals) and Raphael Chigumba (backing vocals and percussions).

[@MISHECKDONOVANCHIKAMBA-CHIYANG]

My dad the late Fabian Chikamba was the bassman ;the 3rd man according to the late R Kadenhe.i was young but old enough to appreciate their music & know their history.its coming

[@thomasmuziyirwa]

i think Zig Zag Band lacked good management , I consider then as one of the greatest bands to come out of Zimbabwe. their music still sound very good and well arranged i cant believe Gomo ramasare was recorded in 1987

[@jkarela3427]

Greetings from Holland blessings and love, i hope you remember me in the days when I was the Sound Engineer in Concerts Frontline Sound

[@acmabiitz6604]

His memory is sharp

[@troyroy01]

Rich rich history. This should be catalogued somewhere!! I do remember the video for Gomo Ramasare, Emmanuel Nkomo was wearing nhembe musango! Great memories

[@Paradzaimurwisi.]

I respect zigzag we used to watch it pa big bhawa nepa fance pa karage my best song is mai varudo

[@zakaroyalty62]

Zigzag , the reggae outfit was composed of exceptionally talented musicians the likes of Manu Nkomo, Gilbert Zvamaida etc…kudos to my hommie band 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽❤..

[@michaelmutsengi8463]

Zig zag our own Burning spear.

[@wilsonbope]

This was the greatest reggae band back then. Their songs still masterpieces even up to now. 🔥

[@George-zu4zf]

PaBahgdad nepa Chrome stadium

[@natiusvideos7968]

Apa mudhara munosvisvina chingezi makachiller henyu.

[@keithchivaura8632]

For some of us Zig Zig was the most authentic zimbabwe band as far as being exponents of our shona culture as was Ilanga in Sidebele culture...sad that both bands did not last long..but thanks for what you did then..

[@shepherdmudimu6447]

You are right.They should have concentrated on playing music and find a good business manager to take care of the business side of things

[@brytonmasaire5542]

One of the best best best group from Africa, was young during the prime time but music is still relevant now, i even play their music

[@mosessoko237]

Hombiro was and is my favourite

[@natiusvideos7968]

Your music lives on

[@IshmaelTsoka]

big fan

[@fritzchirwa1783]

Great music .chigiyo will always be part us

[@keithchivaura8632]

Thanks for the video..Im a longtime zig zag fan..looking for the Hombiro vinyl..also the single..Hurombo Hauuraye/ Mambo Ndiitei..tried to get the band to Washington DC..in the early 90s' but failed.
Please tell me what happened to all the members.
.

[@TunhumaTatenda]

Zig zag band was 🔥

[@MISHECKDONOVANCHIKAMBA-CHIYANG]

The book Lest you forget the UB40 & burning spear of Africa is coming ,correct , true & chronological account & history of the Zigzag band legends undiluted-publishing soon.

[@tinayechuma7593]

Just discovered zig zag today after looking for gomo ramasare

[@RaymondMudzengerere]

Maigona varume

[@innocentmaseko2987]

the best ,mercy,was the best

[@chairmanchairman7258]

good move jah lunga

[@shepherdmaverudze1921]

may i have the song called mercy, wakadzwa ndiyani.............Like zig zag band

[@rytonmoffatanalytica]

Album rose iriro ndirikuritsvagawo. Pana Sandra , Chenai , Ndakadyirwa munda nembwa.. pliz

[@georgezibuye8577]

Yeah kwa Kadenhe Gokwe Rd.

[@kysonhunter5640]

pro tip : you can watch movies on kaldrostream. Been using them for watching a lot of movies these days.

[@emmittparker549]

@Kyson Hunter Yup, have been watching on kaldrostream for years myself :)

[@zechariahlukas1601]

@Kyson Hunter definitely, have been using Kaldrostream for since november myself =)