Kudaushe Matimba is a Zimbabwean singer and marimba player with a unique signature sound. Creative and charismatic, he captivates audiences with his dynamic and elevating performances.
Based in the UK, he was born in Rusape, Zimbabwe, and raised in the township of Harare, it was there he started his musical journey with the marimba. Growing up in a country where local music is embraced, Zimbabwe’s upbeat infectious music gave the young Kudaushe a passion for music. With local music styles such as Sunguru and Chimurenga and artists such as Thomas Mapfumo and Oliver Mtukudzi, he was motivated by a wide range of music from South, West & North Africa.
As he strengthened his experience with the marimba, he advanced his musicality further by learning to play the piano. Around the same time, musicians with modern instruments were creating bands, and Kudaushe joined a few local bands as a keyboard player. Working alongside artists such as Jonah Sithole, one of the main guitarists for the legendary Thomas Mapfumo, he was one of the first musicians to transpose the mbira melodies onto the guitar.
Later, he was spotted by one of Zimbabwe’s renowned singers Stella Chiweshe, a traditional & spiritual singer who was well respected in the country. She invited Kudaushe to join her band, and a tour of Zimbabwe and Europe followed. He stayed with the group for around a year.
The Bhundu Boys was a successful Zimbabwean band who were based in the UK. After coming home to Zimbabwe to look for a singer and keyboard player, they met up with Kudaushe and were so impressed with his style, they offered him a position to join the band. Together they returned to the UK, and toured the world for several years.
Later, Kudaushe landed an opportunity to record some of his own songs, the sponsorship came from someone who believed in his talent. “Nhamo Yamakamandipa Mhai,” was an upbeat infectious song, which became a successful hit in Zimbabwe. Managing to authentically transpose the mbira sound on to Keyboard, it helped him join the likes of Jonah Sithole, as one of the first musicians to transpose the sound of a traditional instrument onto a modern instrument.
Keen to drive his musical knowledge further, Kudaushe studied for his master’s at SOAS University and enrolled in “ethnomusicology & music performance”. Around the same time, he set up a band titled “Harare”, which was a tribute to his years growing up in the townships of Harare. After completing his master’s, the band went on to tour up and down the country. A natural-born storyteller, his performances are incredibly energetic and captivating.
Kudaushe Matimba takes his place as one of Zimbabwe’s gifted musical storytellers.
Havana White ©
Zimbabwe is a country located in Southern Africa and has a fascinating history. Once known as “The Kingdom of Zimbabwe,” The Shona tribe were known for their trading empire. With a population of around 15 million, the 3 main languages are Shona, Ndebele & English as well as thirteen other official languages.
Graced with some amazing sightseeing places, like the City of Great Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls, and various National Parks.
The Arts are quite prominent in society and Zimbabweans are highly regarded for pottery, crafts, and music. Their music diversity, and storytelling is a rich part of the country’s history. Traditional music came from drums and instruments such as the mbira.
There is a warm high energy in Zimbabwean music, and dance is closely allied to it. The legends of Zimbabwean music, are artists such as Oliver Mtukudzi, Thomas Mapfumo, Jonah Sithole and Stella Chiweshe.
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