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International Musician Singer Songwriter

Died On This Date (July 30, 1995) Biggie Tembo / The Bhundu Boys

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Biggie Tembo
September 30, 1958 – July 30, 1995

Biggie Tembo was the charismatic lead singer and primary songwriter for the Zimbabwe band, Bhundu Boys.  Formed in 1981, the Bhundu Boys were very popular thanks to their unique style that married the local “chimurenga” music with elements of American rock, disco and country.  During the mid ’80s, their music began turning on new fans beyond Africa.  Both Elvis Costello and Eric Clapton raved about them, and Madonna invited them to open her Wembley Stadium.  Due to internal politics, Tembo left the band in 1990.  He committed suicide five years later.

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Bhundu Boys

International Musician

Died On This Date (June 27, 1991) David Mankaba / The Bhundu Boys

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David Mankaba
1959 – June 27, 1991

makembaDavid Mankaba was the bassist for Zimbabwean jit band, the Bhundu Boys.  As their fame grew outside of Africa, they started to receive praise from the like of Elvis Costello and Madonna who invited them to open her Wembley show in front of 80,000 fans.  Mankaba died of tuberculosis complicated by AIDS, the announcement marked the first time a prominent Zimbabwean had been declared dead as a result of AIDS.  Before his passing, he had asked his family to make the announcement to further AIDS awareness around the world.  He was 32.

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Bhundu Boys

 

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