Gabriel "Sekuru Africa" Makamanzi was born in Chayamiti, Chimanimani, in 1979. His musical journey began in the rural villages of Zimbabwe while herding cattle as a young boy. Like many traditional musicians, he first experimented with natural instruments, playing dried monkey bread from the Masekesa tree. He later started making his own shakers from dried Mapudzi (butternut squashes), further developing his rhythmic skills.
During this time, he attended a Mapositori church, where he was introduced to the Hosho (traditional Zimbabwean rattles). It was in the church that he first started singing, developing his vocal abilities alongside his percussion skills.
At the age of 13, he discovered the mbira dzavadzimu, the sacred instrument of the Shona people. His passion for traditional music led him to seek mentorship and a deeper understanding of mbira playing.
Move to Harare & Early Collaborations
Sekuru Africa eventually moved to Harare, where he connected with Dumisani Machaka, a former guitarist for Thomas Mapfumo. Under Dumisani’s mentorship, he expanded his musical skills, learning electric guitar and drums. This experience broadened his understanding of both traditional and modern Zimbabwean music.
After working with Dumisani’s band, he joined the Buwe Buwe Mbira Group, where he played drum kit, hosho, and also sang. This period allowed him to refine his drumming skills and gain more experience as a lead vocalist.
Following his time with Buwe Buwe, he was approached by Tambaoga, who invited him to join his mbira group, Serevende. It was during his time with Serevende that he was spotted by Andy Brown, a moment that would change the course of his career.
Joining Andy Brown & Moving to Europe
Makamanzi's big break came when he was performing at the Book Café in Harare with Serevende. Andy Brown invited him to assist in producing Tambaoga’s album, which featured the hit songs “Hondo YeMinda,” “Agreement,” and “Machembere”, recorded at Ngaavongwe Studios.
It was Andy Brown who gave him the name “Sekuru Makamanzi” during these sessions, a name that would define his career.
After the album’s production, Makamanzi joined Andy Brown’s band. In December 2002, they embarked on a tour to the United Kingdom. However, at the end of the tour, Andy Brown advised Makamanzi and other band members to remain in the UK, a secret that many were unaware of at the time.
Makamanzi later moved to Ireland, where he co-founded the Talking Drum group with a friend. The group performed at concerts and conducted music workshops in schools, teaching students how to play drums, mbira, hosho, and marimba.
His career took a major leap forward when he was invited to perform at a political function in Ireland, attended by then-Prime Minister Ian Paisley and Deputy Prime Minister Martin McGuinness, who acknowledged his contributions to the local community.
Formation of Afresh Band & Rebranding as Sekuru Africa
While still in Belfast, Ireland, Makamanzi founded Afresh Band. During this time, he frequently traveled to Manchester to assist his friends with their band. It was in Manchester that he had the opportunity to meet Zimbabwean music legend Thomas Mapfumo, further solidifying his presence in the Zimbabwean music scene abroad.
In 2015, Makamanzi relocated to London, where he decided to rebrand himself as Sekuru Africa to better represent his mission of spreading African traditional music across the world. It was during this time that he also joined SHINGI Band, led by Shingai Shonhiwa, the Zimbabwean-British songstress known for her work with The Noisettes.
Sekuru Africa’s growing reputation was further solidified when he was invited by the BBC to perform on CBeebies TV Show, hosted by Yolanda Brown. “The light is continuing to shine for our music. This is a clear sign that our traditional sounds are being appreciated in the Diaspora,” he said.
Author & Educator
Beyond music, Sekuru Africa has also expanded into writing. He co-authored a book titled “Out of Africa”, alongside Ugandan David Maganda and Zakele Makalaza from South Africa. The book, available on Amazon, explores their experiences as Africans living in the Diaspora.
He is also passionate about music education and serves as a Musician in Residence at the Horniman Museum, where he teaches traditional Zimbabwean music, ensuring that the mbira tradition is passed down to future generations.
Upcoming Projects & Legacy
Sekuru Africa is currently in the studio working on an album featuring various African artists, including Shingai Shonhiwa. The album is expected to be released before the end of the year.
“Our plan is to make sure that our traditional music reaches all parts of the world. People out here love our traditional music, which is why it is becoming popular in the Diaspora,” he said.
Now recognized as one of the most sought-after traditional music players in London, Sekuru Africa continues to share Zimbabwean music and culture with the world, keeping the mbira tradition alive for future generations.