Future Of Zim Music : Mokoomba
Mokoomba is an afro fusion band originating from the tourist town of Victoria Falls. the members include
: Mathias Muzaza: lead vocals, backing vocals & percussion
: Mathias Muzaza: lead vocals, backing vocals & percussion
:Trustworth Samende: electric, nylon & mute guitars & backing vocals
:Abundance Mutori: bass & backing vocals
:Donald Moyo : keyboards
:Miti Mugande: percussion & backing vocals
:Ndaba Coster Moyo: drums, backing vocals & Beatbox
Mokoomba is the most know modern band/group to come from the new generation of Zim musicians. They are of the Tonga descendant. Their music is different from any other music in Zimbabwe, mainly due to the secluded and small population of the Tonga people. Their music is a fusion of different genres from Rhumba, Latin, Reggae, salsa...etc, and mixed with some Tonga rhythms the outcome is a beautiful sound.
Their group took part in the Music Crossroads competition in 2007 and won. That victory earned them an invitation to the Inter-Regional Festival in Malawi in August 2008 which they also won. The prize for winning that competition was to go for professional training, a six-track album recording and a European tour of over 10 countries. They managed to do all this with the support of Music Crossroads International a regional NGO.
Their First album is called Kweseka and included songs such as: Africa, Misozi, Mabemba, Mbimbe,Mavutika & Mzumba. The album got them recognition but it did not provide the needed International breakthrough and was not available in Europe.
In 2010 they were approved to play at Harare International Festival of Arts (HIFA), they were paired to perform with Zap Mama a celebrated Ivory Coast bass player and singer Manu Gallo who used to play bass for Zap Mama, she then produced Mokoomba's second album Rising Tide in 2012, it included songs such as: Njoka, Masangango, Mangongo, Mwile, Misozi, Yombe, Nimukonda, Ndundule, Manunge, Mabemba, Mvula, Walele. The album received rave reviews from critics all over the world. They were awarded the Best Newcomer at the Songline Awards in 2013 and were named one of the best outfits from Africa.
Their First album is called Kweseka and included songs such as: Africa, Misozi, Mabemba, Mbimbe,Mavutika & Mzumba. The album got them recognition but it did not provide the needed International breakthrough and was not available in Europe.
In 2010 they were approved to play at Harare International Festival of Arts (HIFA), they were paired to perform with Zap Mama a celebrated Ivory Coast bass player and singer Manu Gallo who used to play bass for Zap Mama, she then produced Mokoomba's second album Rising Tide in 2012, it included songs such as: Njoka, Masangango, Mangongo, Mwile, Misozi, Yombe, Nimukonda, Ndundule, Manunge, Mabemba, Mvula, Walele. The album received rave reviews from critics all over the world. They were awarded the Best Newcomer at the Songline Awards in 2013 and were named one of the best outfits from Africa.
In 2011 Mokoomba collaborated with Dutch DJ Gregor Salto and produced Umvundla EP . This EP as expected carried the Mokoomba's signature sound and the house flavour of Gregor Salto. The EP carries party bangers such as Umvundla, Mese Mese, Walele & Busie.gre
However despite the fame they acquired in Europe they were still largely unknown in Zimbabwe. Zimbos even regarded their music as foreign when they heard it. They have managed to change that perception by having frequent shows in the Capital city Harare. This has made people familiarize with them and their electrifying performances have won the hearts of Zimbos. The immense following they now receive from their local fans will further push them to greater heights both Local and International. Their next album is anxiously awaited upon, and it will receive a lot of support judging by the reviews in the local media sector.
Proud_Zimbo
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