Ngoni Dapira

AFTER taking centre stage at some of the world’s biggest arts festivals and entertainment arena’s, the well-traveled Victoria Falls based six-member band, Mokoomba will tonight (Friday) perform in Mutare at Courtauld Theatre.

The historic show being hosted by Mabvazuva Hub will start from 6:30pm till 10pm. The cover charge will be $5. There will be supporting acts by Mutare’s rising star Rutendo Jackie and the phenomenal contemporary mbira ensemble Ntswai Ntswai Arts.

Mokoomba spokesperson and lead singer Mathias Muzaza confirmed the show and said all is in place for the momentous show.

“This will be our second concert in Mutare. The first one was last year at Mutare Hall at the Love for Nature Festival organized by Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority (Zimparks). We are so excited to perform at Courtauld Theatre for the first time and promise fireworks,” said Muzaza.

The group that has traveled and performed in more than 50 countries around the world is now focusing on promoting its music back home.

“After performing at many music events and festivals around the world our music has been well received. However, we now want to focus on performing more around Zimbabwe so we can increase our fan base at home. Our concert in Mutare is a testament to our desire to travel to many cities around Zimbabwe and we are excited and looking forward to performing in Mutare. Next month, we will go to Bulawayo for the Munch and Sip event and then perform at the annual Vic Falls Carnival,” he said.

The band comprises of Muzaza, Trustworth Samende, Abundance Mutori, Donald Moyo, Ndaba Coster Moyo and Miti Mugande. Their bond is tied by the fact that they grew up together in Chinotimba Township in Victoria Falls before they embarked on their musical journey as Mokoomba in 2008. “We are like brothers, and we understand each other musically and in life and this is why we have stood the test of time and keep going together as a band,” said Muzaza.

They have performed at the world’s biggest festivals and venues like Sziget, Roskilde, North Sea Jazz, New York’s Apollo Theatre, New Orleans Jazz and many more. With many local and international awards to their name, the outfit has so far recorded three albums since 2008, and is currently signed to the afrocentric German record label, Outhere Records.

Known for its high energy performances, Mokoomba describes its music as traditional but mixed with a regional and international music flare, including soukous, funk and reggae. Mokoomba takes its name from a Tonga word that connotes deep respect for the Zambezi river and the vibrant life along its banks. The band writes and sings using several languages, including Tonga, Shona, Luvala, Ndebele and English.

Mabvazuva Hub creative director Henry Tsopotsa said they are excited to host the renowned band as part of its monthly concert programme to inspire and nature local arts talent in Manicaland at Courtauld Theatre.

“Our local artistes will rub shoulders with renowned artistes through our monthly concert programme that we are launching. On the theatre side we are already making strides with theatre performances already taking place,  so as a hub we are all systems go and want to brand Courtauld Theatre as a bastion of performing arts in Manicaland,” said Tsopotsa.