Harmonic Rhythms off to SA

Bongani Ndlovu Showbiz Correspondent
BULAWAYO based youthful afro jazz group Harmonic Rhythms is off to South Africa to perform at the Jozi Book Fair (JBF) that will take place from September 26 to 27.
The talented five member group known for its fusion of Zimbabwean rhythms and jazz melodies will leave on September 23.

This year will be the 6th edition of the book fair running under the theme Reading the word and the world: the role of book clubs. The JBF will focus especially on the support and formation of book clubs.

The group that was formed last year out of the love of jazz music with a touch of Zimbabwean flavour will showcase songs from their upcoming album at the JBF.

In an interview, one of the group members, 24-year-old Nkosiphile “Philekeyz Nono” Sibanda, who plays the keyboard and does vocals, said they got to perform in South Africa after members of the Jozi Book Fair watched video clips of their live performances on You Tube and Facebook.

“After they watched our performances they were invited for the book fair in Bulawayo earlier on this year. We got to discuss and they said I should come to South Africa in July to finalise the details of us performing there. I went and we are leaving on September 23,” he said.

Sibanda said they would perform as a full band on the first and last day of the book fair.

Sibanda said the all male group was ready to showcase Zimbabwean talent and believes that the opportunity would open doors for the group.

“Getting to an international stage like that will help the group get recognised. We feel that it will help us grow as a group and a lot of lessons will be learnt from the experience,” he said.

The group comprises Prosper “Pronix” Ndebele, 22, on lead vocals, Lungile “Luwiji” Ndlovu, 23, on keyboards, Kelvin “KevBass” Katongo, 21, on bass guitar and vocals and Jonathan Wise, 22, on lead guitar.

Questioned why they are an exclusively male band, Sibanda said it was difficult to work with women as some would have to be at home early because they rehearse late. “We are a boy band and it’s easier to work like that because if we want to incorporate a female musician we have to deal with the fact that some of them are not allowed to perform at bars and rehearse late into the night,” he said.

Sibanda said shortly after the tour they will release a five track EP album with their debut album to be released in December.