Clive ‘Mono’ Mukundu

BIO

Clive 'Mono' Mukundu is master of a variety of Zimbabwean guitar styles, including museve, mbira/chimurenga, Afro-jazz and gospel, in addition to blues, rock, and pop. In January 1988, at the age of 17, Mono met Last Saidi, a bass player from Chitungwiza, who taught him his first three chords on a guitar. While at Mufakose High School in Harare, he formed his first band named, Sarungano Chanters. In November 1989 Mono joined Chax Brothers, a band that played chimurenga, sungura, reggae and soul music and included the great Jackson Phiri and Admire Kasenga. In 1990 Mono co-founded Chikokoko band and did shows in Mutare and Harare. They recorded an album called 'Ruvengo' in 1992. That year Mono joined Seasons band, who did shows around Harare and Mutare backing Patrick Mukwamba. He also co-founded a reggae band with close friends Webster Kunaka, Jack Everisto (bass) and Welly Musvosva (drums) called Rough Mix Club. They did a few gigs in Harare and Bulawayo, before disbanding. During this period he also worked as a session musician for Peter Tembo and the Scanners international, Dendemaro band, and other small bands that played different genres of music

Later in the 90s Mono formed a short-lived reggae duo with friend Christopher Kamoa. He then joined John Ali and Marakashi band, and subsequently the Kwasa Kwasa Kings, both bands consisting of musicians from Zimbabwe, Zambia and DRC and specialising in rhumba and soukous.

In 2001 he decided to pursue a formal education in music and enrolled at the Zimbabwe College of Music. Here he learnt to play the mbira and marimba, graduating with a national certificate in music. He was given an award for Best Guitar Student and paid back all the study fees he had paid during his two years there. Mono subsequently taught guitar at the Zimbabwe College of Music, Prince Edward High School and Don Bosco Youth Training Centre, also worked part-time as a producer. As a session guitarist he has appeared on over 500 albums. Mono currently runs his own studio in Harare, called Monolio, where he has recorded and produced dozens of independent albums, including rising stars such as Hope Masike and Kakuwe.