Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Entertainment Hub
DEMAND for international and regional old-school music in Zimbabwe continues to dominate, despite the emergence of newer genres.
Yesteryear generations still yearn for music from international acts such as The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, ABBA, The Who among others. Popularised by veteran radio personalities including Witness Matema, Kudzie Marudza, Kelvin Sifelani, Peter Johns, Eric Knight, Tich Mataz, Hilton “Dr Bobo” Mambo and John Matinde, Zimbabwe’s older listeners maintain that mature music will always hold a special place in their hearts.
Veteran bands and outfits such as Harare Mambo (formerly fronted by the late Greenford Jangano), Cool Crooners, Summer Breeze, the late Dorothy “Aunt Dot” Masuka, Seasons Band, Jazz Invitation and Jabavu Drive (now under the stewardship of Philip Svosve) have helped sustain interest in the genre.
Cool Crooners
This has also brought back the good old memories that once defied the showbiz landscape. Mature music lovers have been looking for ideal places where they can hang out with their peers and enjoy quality music, and their prayers are slowly being answered.
Its revival is near, and the older generations can now afford to enjoy themselves once again.
The revival has been given a boost by Classic 263 FM presenter Witness Matema, who has teamed up with a new group of veteran jazz players calling themselves Total Package Band.
The newly assembled outfit includes former Seasons Band lead guitarist Wilson Mbare, acoustic guitarist and former Dynamos goalkeeper Laban Kandi, keyboardist Noah Langa and drummer/backing vocalist, Desperate Gonyora.
The quintet recently launched their movement at The Grub Restaurant in Harare alongside Matema and plan to take it countrywide.
Now that they are going on a nationwide tour, their objective is to ensure that senior citizens — particularly those aged 60 and above — can enjoy international old-school music once again.
In an interview with Zimpapers’ Arts and Entertainment Hub, Total Package Band member Kandi said he firmly believes old-school music’s appeal will never fade.
