Girls La Musica founder plans comeback

Priscila Taurai, founder of the defunct Girls La Musica from Bulawayo, has shared plans to revive the group, which was a hit in the early 2000s.

The dance group disbanded in 2014 as members scattered and some got married. Girls La Musica was popular nationwide, performing at shows, galas and nightclubs across the country and beyond borders, alongside renowned artistes.

Taurai, who was spotted performing with Sandra Ndebele’s Intombi Zomqangala at the fast-rising outdoor chillspot koSamuriwo in Bulawayo this weekend said: “I need enough support to embark on a talent scouting project to bring new members on board as I want to bring back Girls La Musica.”

She said the group was formed in 2004 but sadly, disbanded.

“I formed Girls La Musica in 2004 and Albert Nyathi named the group. We then started dancing, inspired by icons like Brenda Fassie, Yondo Sister, Michael Jackson and Catarina. As a group, we shared the stage with renowned artistes such as the late Oliver Mtukudzi, Njerama Boys, the late Tongai Moyo, Alick Macheso and international acts.

“I’m that little girl who did the slow-motion dance with Alick Macheso in 2005 at a gala in Kwekwe,” she said.

Together as a group, they achieved numerous success and toured various countries including South Africa, Zambia and Botswana.

“I’ve shared the stage with prominent artistes from our country and the DRC, including rhumba maestros Koffi Olomide and Werrason, together with my former group Girls La Musica. When Werrason performed at the HICC in Harare, he almost took me to France, but I didn’t have a passport at the time,” she said.

And like any other dance group, they had their highs and lows.

“Getting to know different cultures and dances as we travelled was one of the most beautiful experiences we had. Staging alongside big legends like Oliver Mtukudzi and Koffi Olomide was just beautiful. However, we had our lows. I remember when we were supposed to travel to Germany for shows, our promoter cancelled on us at the very last minute.

“That experience killed the group’s morale because we thought that it might be our big breakthrough,” she recalled.

Also, financial challenges and lack of sponsorship continue to stifle her efforts to revive Girls La Musica.

“I have financial challenges, making it difficult to acquire equipment to revive my group,” she said.

She elaborated on the challenges of being a female artiste, noting that women in the industry are often unfairly associated with prostitution.

“It’s challenging to be a female artiste because we are often mistaken for prostitutes, unlike our male counterparts who receive more credit and respect. Dancing is my career; it pays my bills. I am very passionate about my career because when I’m on stage, I feel alive.”

Despite the group disbanding, Taurai has continued her career, performing at various venues. Since April this year, she has found a home at Intombi Zomqangala and is enjoying and learning a lot from other group members.

“I usually perform at various clubs and corporate functions. I’ve also had the opportunity to perform for the President with the group Intombi Zomqangala, which I’m working with. I am enjoying being part of the group and have learnt a lot from other members,” she said.

She went on to appeal to the President, the Government through the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Arts and Recreation, arts promoters and the media to support artistes.

During her performance over the weekend, she thrilled the crowd with her unique skill of bottle dancing. They could not get enough of her, cheering loudly throughout her time on stage, demonstrating that even years later, she still possesses undeniable talent and charisma.

Apart from dancing, Taurai is also an MC and choreographer.

“I’m also good at advertising and modelling and have worked with brands like Edgars, NetOne, Econet and Jet. I’m a very good MC and choreographer,” she stated.

The new millennium ushered in a wave of all-female dance troupes that captivated the entertainment scene with their superb choreography between 2004 and 2006. Leading the charge were iconic groups such as Mambokadzi Dance Group, Girls la Musica, Casamoto, Casablanca, Girls of Peace, Girls la Ghettos, Amavithikazi, Exotic and Mafalafala. These groups quickly rose to prominence, attracting attention from musicians who enlisted them for live performances.

Their popularity soared in cities like Harare and Bulawayo, prompting them to organise their own shows at various venues, drawing substantial followings, something which Taurai wants to bring back.