The engaging grooves of Chris Berry’s music
began in the ghettos of Zimbabwe where he
began to commingle hip hop and dancehall
beats with traditional African Rhythms.
Few Zimbabweans expected that the
indigenous sounding music that became an
instant hit was created and performed by a 23-
year-old white man from America.
Chris Berry was, and still is, the composer,
arranger and charismatic lead performer of his
socially conscious music featuring both
Shona and English lyrics. Berry’s totally
unique compositions range from raw-edge
dance music to poignant ballads.
Ancient African drum rhythms provide the
solid foundation for Chris Berry’s more
energetic music that is fortified by American
hip hop bass, emboldened by funky brass,
and electrified by contemporary techno
sounds. Ancient African melodic instruments
like the mbira and marimba provide the exotic
basis for Berry’s intellectually and emotionally
intriguing ballads.
