Andy Brown

Andy Brown was a Zimbabwean singer, songwriter and guitarist who led the band he formed, The Storm. He was also a key member of the Ilanga band along with Busi Ncube, Don Gumbo and Cde Chinx. Brown was popularly known for his hits Tichangoshaina, Mapurisa and Ndoita Zindoga Ini. He was also a supporter of the ZANU-PF political party during the time of the controversial land reform exercise, popularly known as the Third Chimurenga. Andy Brown was born Cadia Shoko on March 15, 1962 in Mberengwa to a German father and a Zimbabwean mother, Zvondiwe Ncube and went to school at Chavengwa Primary School and Mavorondo Secondary School. Brown's family relocated to Bulawayo and he was thus forced to finish his secondary school education at Founders High School. Andy Brown was once married to Chiwoniso Maraire. At the time of his death, he was married to Nadine Brown. He had ten children from his different marriages Devona, Ammara, Shala, Alexander, Chengeto, Chiedza, Ushe, Jason, Andy Brown Junior and Alzaeed. He attended Founders High School in Bulawayo for his secondary education. Brown started singing at a tender age. It is allegedly reported that whilst he was at Founders High School, he bunked classes to play his guitar. After leaving school he had a brief stint with Ebony Shiek before teaming up with Gabriel Green with whom he formed the group Pisces in 1980. Andy relocated to Harare where he formed the group Grabb with Rozalla Miller and Boykie Moore but the group disintegrated when Rozalla moved to England in 1984. The following year Brown worked with the Rusike Brothers but this was to last for a short period. From working with the Rusike Brothers, he worked teamed up with Don Gumbo and Brian Paul in 1986 to form Ilanga. Some members of Ilanga included, Busi Ncube,Don Gumbo, Munya Brown, Chinx Chingaira, Keith Farquarson, Adam Chisvo and Gibson Mangena. Despite being one of the best groups in the country in the late 1980s, the group was short-lived. Brown left Ilanga in 1988 to form his own group The Storm. He, however, relocated to South Africa where he joined the group We Three and penned all the songs for one of their albums. Whilst in South Africa, he also played as a session musician for several musicians amongst them was the famous reggae star, Jambo. In 1995, he returned back to Zimbabwe and on his return he recorded the album Gondwanaland which became a hit with such songs as Tichangoshaina and Zindoga. Andy Brown was also part of the More Fire Crew which recorded several Chimurenga songs some of which included a cover version of the song "Mbuya nehanda kufa vachitaura". By 1997, his group, The Storm, consisted of Sam Mataure (who was the drummer), Ian Hillman (bass guitarist), Adam Chisvo (mbira/percussions), Keith Farquarson (keyboardist), Chiwoniso Maraire (vocals/mbira/percussions), Mwendi Chibindi (background vocals), and Paddy Moyo, the manager. In June 1997 Andy successfully launched his sixth album, Tigere. All the tracks on this album maintained a prominent traditional rhythm.

Afro Pop

Andy Brown

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