The Vortex is delighted to host 5 nights of the 12th London African Music Festival
Rise Kagona is a true African music legend. Born in Malawi, Rise Kagona is the founder, lead guitarist and sole remaining member of Zimbabwean rock band Bhundu Boys.
The Bhundu Boys were the ambassadors of African music and one of the first African groups to tour the world in the 1980s.
Rise Kagona along with the original Bhundu Boys, mixed Zimbabwean styles with rumba, influences from the Congo and labelled their fast paced music ‘Jit Jive’.
They were a ground-breaking force in African music, paving the way for more artists to be successful in Europe and the US. They enjoyed fantastic success – with international hits and stadium tours – and personal tragedy in equal measure. Their story is as compelling as their accomplishments are great and their music infectious unlike any other African groups.
Tonight Rise Kagona plays with his band – THE JIT JIVE BAND – and features songs from his legendary career.