Hallelujah Chicken Run Band

Hallelujah Chicken Run Band was a Zimbabwean band formed in Mhangura, then-Rhodesia in the 1970s.^[1][2] The band was an early pioneer of a style of music called chimurenga, from the Shona word for “struggle.”^[1]

The band was founded by trumpet player Daram Katanga in order to perform for workers at Mhangura copper mine.^[3] 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.^[4]

In 1974 they won a national music competition organized by the South African label Teal that would solidify their growing popularity.^[4][5]

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.

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

• 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")

• Take One (2006, Analog Africa)^[6]

• Afropop
• Chimurenga
• Music of Zimbabwe
• Chimurenga music