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and has attended numerous music festivals in Europe and other African countries.
“If locals want their music to reach the international scene, they need to stop trying to be who they are not.
“This is a weakness among many, but what people do not realise is that the moment they do this the audience looks down upon them,” said band member Trymore Jambo.
Other members of the four-member outfit include John Mambira on percussion who is also the lead vocalist, Trymore “Guchi” Jambo and Mpho Mambira who plays the baritone marimba.
“Since 2006, we have travelled to countries like Ireland, Tanzania, Botswana, Sweden and the United States where we regularly get invited for the Zimfest (annual Zimbabwe Music Festival).
“All that travelling has taught us to embrace who we are and where we are from,” added Guchi.
Interacting with foreigners has not diluted, but has actually helped Bongo Love to appreciate the local culture while using music to celebrate it.
The irony of it, however, is that foreigners admire and at times imitate the African way of life, according to Guchi.
“I know so many American bands based in the US that actually sing in Shona and play our native instruments.
“This is all because we have a rich culture that we should be proud of,” he said.
Bongo Love is out to spread the love of the “Bongo” — the African drum – throughout the country and beyond with their upcoming fourth album that is yet to be named.
The album carries 10 songs, most of them written by Mambira.
Other albums in their name include “Afroacoustics” (2006), “Rwendo” (2008) and “Future Voices” (2011).
Their consistency has secured their name in the world of traditional music and they command a big following in the high-end market.
Online Reporter