Fany Pfumo (also spelled Fany Mpfumo) [1] (Lourenço Marques, October 18, 1928 – Maputo, November 3, 1987) [2] was a Mozambican-born singer who was mainly active in South Africa. He is considered one of the founders [3] and of the prominent artists [4] in the marrabenta style scene. Born to a poor family, he started his career playing an "oil tin guitar" in Maputo's suburbs [5] but later moved to South Africa in search of a better living. [6] In Johannesburg, Pfumo had the opportunity to record with HMV, achieving international fame with songs such as Loko ni kumbuka Jorgina ("When I remember Georgina"); this one, in particular, remains one of the best known songs of marrabenta and Mozambican pop music. [6] [7] After achieving international fame in South Africa, Pfumo eventually returned to Mozambique. [6]
Pfumo's trademark style is characterized by the mix of marrabenta rhythms with jazz elements as well as influences of South African kwela music. [6] He played in a number of bands during the 1950s and 1960s [8] but also recorded several solo singles.
Pfumo's singles include: [4]
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