Chimanimani

"Imagine The Bhundu Boys and Four Brothers colliding. Irresistible, joyful and dancey."

Formed in Harare in 1995, Chimanimani take their name from Zimbabwe's sacred mountain, along which winds a path so narrow that in places it is necessary to make a "chimanimani" (walk sideways). But no-one wants to walk to the band's music! Chimanimani embodies everything expected from a vibrant Africna dance band. Expect up-beat and infectious rhythms, jangling guitar melodies and haunting vocals, a place where funky bass riffs fly.

Chimanimani are a dance band in the traditions of the wonderful Four Brothers and The Bhundu Boys. A blend of traditional and modern styles, their music fills the heart and gets the body moving, whilst reaching out and touching and uniting everyone in a common celebration of life. Well known on the UK festival circuit, this vibrant group has performed Glastonbury, Larmer Tree Festival, Respect Festival, Eden Complex, Marlborough Jazz Festival, National Theatre and the African Centre, London. They have performed here together with many top Zimbabwean artists including Stella Chiweshe and Anna Mudeka.

Fronted by Chanda Nyerezani on drums and vocals, Cecilia Agatha on vocals and dance and Simwinji Zeko on guitars/vocals, they are joined by William Allick on bass guitar and Kudaushe Matimba on keyboards. Chimanimani sing of life in the Zimbabwe of today, a land struggling against all odds to come out of poverty. Theirs is a joyful positive music from a country working towards a well-deserved prosperity. Sunshine music no less. Time to dust those Womad dancing shoes!