Ilanga formed in 1986, fronted by singer Comrade Chinx and guitarist Andy Brown, formerly of the band Rusike. Ilanga burned bright for three years, their blend of Shona, Ndebele and Western sounds proved very popular in Zimbabwe – lots of keyboards and a strong bassline. “Visions Foretold” (1987) was their first album and quickly led to favourable comparisons with South Africa’s Ray Phiri and Stimela – another hybrid of traditional and jazz.