Harare, the Real Sounds settled and became one of Zimbabwe's leading groups. Mixing rhumba and soukous from their native land with the mbira-influenced guitar rhythms unique to Zimbabwe, the Real Sounds achieved critical and popular success both at home and abroad. Riding the Zimbabwean craze created by the Bhundu Boys in the mid-80s, the band toured the UK and released their 1987 album Wende Zako. This European exposure led to a collaboration with Norman Cook, former member of the UK pop band The Housemartins, on his album. Cook produced their 1909 album 7 Miles High.

The Real Sounds are best known for their soccer inspired tracks, including Soccer Fan and their play-by-play song Tornados-Dynamos (3-3). 1994 saw the release of their albums 7 Miles High and Get Real on a single CD for Western consumption. They were once led by Zimbabwean singers James Chimombe and Lovemore Majaivana.