Hallelujah Chicken Run Band was a Zimbabwean band formed in Mhangura, then-Rhodesia in the 1970s.Gorlinski, Virginia. "chimurenga". Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Jan. 2014, https://www.britannica.com/art/chimurenga. Accessed 5 February 2023.Sole, Deanne. 2006. https://thevinylfactory.com/news/hallelujah-chicken-run-band-music-vinyl-release/ The band was an early pioneer of a style of music called chimurenga, from the Shona word for “struggle.”
History The band was founded by trumpet player Daram Katanga in order to perform for workers at Mhangura copper mine.Lusk, John. 2007 https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/9xgb/ They initially started playing the more common Afro-Rock styles of the period, but gained an increased following when they shifted their sound to include electric arrangements with traditional Shona music.
In 1974 they won a national music competition organized by the South African label Teal that would solidify their growing popularity. Rugoff, Lazlo. 2020. https://www.popmatters.com/the-hallelujah-chicken-run-band-take-one-2495682970.html
The sound they pioneered would eventually be called Chimurenga and was adopted by other bands of the 70s and 80s. Singer Thomas Mapfumo had a successful solo career in the 80s and would go on to bring Chimurenga around the world.
Members Past members Thomas Mapfumo – vocals Daram Karanga – trumpet Robson Boora – saxophone Joshua Hlomayi Dube – guitar Wilson Jubane – guitar Abdulah Musa – guitar Patrick Kabanda – drums Robert Nekati – bass
Discography
Singles & EPs Alikulila / Mazhlamini (7") (1974, Afro Soul) Muroridodo / Hodi (7") (1974, Afro Soul) Ngoma Yarira / Murembo (7") (1974, Afro Soul) Shumba Inobva Mu Gomo / Amalume (7") (1977, Shungu) Manhanga / Chinyi Chatakatadza (7") (1980, Star Black) Mukadzi Wangu Ndomuda / Sekai (7") (Afro Pop) Tinokumbira Kuziva / Ngatiende Kumusha (7") (Afro Pop) Chakanyuka / Sara Anochema (7") (Shungu) Midzimu Yedu / Tave Muzimbabwe (7")
Compilations Take One (2006, Analog Africa)
See also Afropop Chimurenga Music of Zimbabwe Chimurenga music
References