Release Date: November 7, 2025
Label: Analog Africa
Mastering: Michael Graves
Audio Restoration: Jordan McLeod
We’re happy to share news of a powerful new release from Analog Africa: Zig-Zag Band: Chigiyo Music Kings 1987–1998, a deep, vibrant compilation that shines a long-overdue spotlight on one of Zimbabwe’s most original and influential bands.
Emerging in the early 1980s—during Zimbabwe’s formative post-independence years—Zig-Zag Band quickly established a singular voice. Their music fused reggae, traditional rhythmic foundations, brass arrangements, and mbira-inspired guitar into a kinetic, dance-driven sound that came to be known as Chigiyo, named after a traditional dance from the Chimanimani region.
Formed in Kwekwe under the mentorship of Robson Kadenhe and led by guitarist Gilbert Zvamaida, the band’s approach was fearless and uncompromising. Intricate guitar interplay, infectious grooves, and raw, soulful Shona vocals defined their recordings. At a time when many artists pursued more commercially predictable paths, Zig-Zag Band stayed fiercely independent—prioritizing authenticity, innovation, and cultural expression.
This Analog Africa release brings together material recorded between 1987 and 1998, carefully restored and mastered to honor the original spirit while revealing new depth and clarity. The compilation is accompanied by insightful liner notes from Zimbabwean music specialist Banning Eyre and is housed in a striking three-color screen-printed cover.
At Osiris Studio, it was an honor to help bring this essential chapter of Zimbabwean musical history back into focus. Chigiyo Music Kings 1987–1998 not only celebrates Zig-Zag Band’s lasting cultural impact, but also reintroduces a groundbreaking, unjustly overlooked body of work to a new generation of listeners.