Born in South Africa and raised in Zimbabwe, the African bass player and lead
vocalist of the hard hitting band Jive Kayana Chris Gudu has brought to
Australia a rich heritage of African music. This up-tempo and sometimes
Afro-jazzy music is known back in Southern Africa as Umbaqanga music, otherwise
also known as Township Jive music, hence the name Jive Kayana (kayana means
pure).

Jive Kayana performs all original compositions by Chris Gudu.
Township Jive music is usually heard pumping from street to street or even house
to house in the townships of Southern Africa. Township Jive originates from the
townships' weekend long parties known as "shebeens".

Shebeens are wild
places where people meet, drink, party and dance freely. Musicians play not for
hours but for days. The exuberant mood is something that defies expression in
words.

Jive Kayana has not only adopted the name but also the spirit of this
freedom. The music of Jive Kayana is vibrant and electrifying.

Jive Kayana
comprises of two guitars, keyboards, drums, percussion, backing vocals and
features a powerful 3-piece horn section. All members wear traditional South
African costume on stage.

JK has performed at various venues around Sydney
such as; The Opera House, Hyde Park N.Y.Eve festival (winners of best band),
Darling Harbour, The Harbourside Brasserie, The Side-On-Cafe and a range of
festivals and regular corporate functions.