Born in the Guruve district, Chakanyuka completed his schooling in 1960, and traveled to Nyanga to look for work.
McEwen referred Chakanyuka to the Nyarutsetso Art Centre, where he spent two years sculpting and working as a teacher.
In 1966 Tom Blomefield, owner of the Tengenenge Farm in Guruve, asked Chakanyuka to teach him to sculpt.
Chakanyuka was forced to give up his work and become a builder when Zimbabwe's war of liberation started.
He has since returned full-time to sculpture, and has exhibited in a number of international shows and participated in several workshops in recent years.