Although Zimbabwe is most famous musically for the local instrument, the mbira, there are several styles of popular music in the country. Mhondoro play in several local genres ranging from the mbira-based Chimurenga music of Thomas Mapfumo, to the fast Jit styles of the Bhundu Boys and Oliver Mtukudzi, to songs by the sungura stars Leonard Dembo and John Chibadura.

-- Thomas Mapfumo is perhaps the most famous Zimbabwean musician internationally. He has been recording music since the mid 1960s. Although he started covering American popular music and has performed music inspired by Jazz, South African music, rock and roll, reggae, and several other genres throughout his career, he is most famous for music he calls Chimurenga, which is based on indigenous music of Zimbabwe, especially that of the mbira. Mhondoro performs several Thomas Mapfumo Songs. Mhondoro is based on the mbira song, Shumba and was originally performed on Mapfumo's album of the same name. Nyarara Mukadzi Wangu and Nyoka Musango both appear on Mapfumo's old album "Ndangariro," as well as the recent rerelease "The Long Walk."Hwa Hwa is an old mbira song Mapfumo based off of the recording Ngoto Yakaipa by Mhuri yekwa Chibhoora. The mbira version is also commonly called Karimugomba. Mapfumo has recorded numerous versions of both this with and without mbiras. The Mhondoro version is based on the recording found on "Chamunorwa." Ndiyani Waparadza Musha and Titambire both appear on "Chimurenga '98." Ndiyani Waparadza Musha is unusual because it is inspired by guitar music from Mali. Mapfumo wrote this song along with the journalist/performer Banning Eyre. The most recent Mapfumo song we perform is Kuvarira Mukati which is an indictment of Zimbabwe's current political situation. It can be heard on the 2005 album "Rise Up."

-- Oliver Mtukudzi is, along with Mapfumo, a legend of Zimbabwean popular music who has become well-known beyond Zimbabwe's borders. He is influenced much more by South African popular music than Mapfumo. Although he also incorporates ZImbabwe's indigenous styles, he is much less reliant on the mbira. Kugarike Tange Nhamo is one of Mtukudzi's earliest recordings from the mid 1970s. It is loosely based on the mbira standard, Taireva, but changes the rhythm into a driving duple and features a remarkable bass part. Dai Ndiine Mukoma relies on a strong South African influence, a unique aspect of Mtukudzi's style. Mtukudzi has one of the most recognizable voices in Zimbabwean music and has managed to maintain and even extend his popularity for over three decades.

-- John Chibadura was one of the leading performers of sungura, Zimbabwe's fast guitar-based popular music style based on Congolese rhumba and East African Kanindo (or Benga). Although he passed away in 1999, Chibadura maintains a strong presence on Zimbabwe's music scene due to his powerful voice and musical versatility. Mhondoro performs three Chibadura songs that reflect his musical range. Zuva Rekufa Kwangu is one of the most famous songs in Zimbabwean popular music history. It is a tragic reggae song in which the singer laments his own death. Baya Wabaya is an old Shona drumming song still commonly heard during ceremonies and at soccer matches. Chibadura's version relies heavily on the lead guitar. Both of these songs can be heard on several albums, including "Chibadura's Reggae Hits." Munhu Hana Chakanaka was first heard on Chibadura's album of the same name and combines elements of sungura and jit.

-- Leonard Dembo, along with his band The Barura Express, became one of Zimbabwe's best-selling performers until his untimely death in 1997. His song and album Chitekete became the best-selling song in local history until recently surpassed by Alick Macheso. Well-known for his incredible guitar playing and creative arrangements, Dembo's music is unlike anyone's in the country. Mhondoro performs a Dembo classic from the 1993 album "Mazano" entitled Wapindwa Nei.

-- Leonard "Picket" Chiyangwa was a well-known guitarist who helped Mapfumo create the Chimurenga sound that made him famous. Unfortunately, Chiyangwa never became very successful as a solo artist and remained relatively unknown. One of the few widely known Chiyangwa songs is Wapunza Musha, from the soundtrack for the movie "Jit." It features some unusual guitar passages and has quickly become one of Mhondoro's more popular songs.

-- The Bhundu Boys, featuring Biggie Tembo, Rise Kagona, and others, were one of the first Zimbabwean bands to become successful abroad, once opening for Madonna at Wembley Stadium. They created their own unique style of jit that helped them become one of Zimbabwe's most successful bands in the early 1980s. Unfortunately, personal problems, infighting, and AIDS took their toll and the band quickly faded from view. Rise Kagona kept things going in London for a long time, but they never reached their early heights. Manhenga is one of their earliest singles, from 1985, based on the mbira song Shumba. Chitaunyike, from the "Pamberi" album from 1989, shifts tempos constantly and is based on the complex Dhinhe rhythm from central Zimbabwe.

-- The Four Brothers, led by lead singer/songwriter/drummer/inspiration Marshal Mumhumumwe, were one of the Zimbabwe's most original and recognizble bands. They started almost by accident in the late 70s and eventually created their own, unique, and fast-paced style of jit that remains popular today. Although Mumhumumwe passed away in 2001, they continue to perform in Zimbabwe and abroad. Mhondoro performs one of their signature tunes, Rumbidzai, a fast, high-energy, guitar-driven jit song.