Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
SEASONED instrumentalist Othnell “Mangoma” Moyo and award-winning Afro-Fusion artiste Mary Anibal are collaborating on a new musical production titled Village to Town, Back to the Village. The performance is scheduled for Saturday at Alliance Française in Bulawayo.
The musical production tells the story of the rural-to-urban migration experience, exploring themes of identity, culture and belonging.
It features a fusion of traditional Zimbabwean music from Matabeleland, North, East Zimbabwe, Central Mozambique, Njanja and South-East Zimbabwe, blended with influences of Salsa, Funk and contemporary styles.
For this particular project, the duo draws inspiration from a variety of genres, including Mbira, Ngoma, Umqangala, Jazz and Traditional Folk Music, to create a distinctive sound that is both rooted in Zimbabwean heritage and relevant to modern audiences.
At the show, which begins at 3pm, the duo will share the stage with Imbube ensemble Amaqaqa, the Albinism Konnect Band and Adrian Le Jazz.
Mangoma said the show is an early celebration of World Music Day, which falls on June 21. He noted that their set will showcase the richness of Zimbabwe’s ancient music, its contemporary interpretations, and a captivating fusion of both.
“Village to Town, Back to the Village takes the audience on a journey from the village to the town and back again, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of navigating different worlds. Through music, we weave together the stories of our ancestors and our own experiences, celebrating the richness of our heritage.
“The ‘village’ segment showcases the authentic, ancient sound, while the urban segment features our compositions influenced by genres like Funk and Salsa, as well as the Bulawayo Township drumming and singing style from the late 1990s to early 2000s.
“The ‘back to the village’ segment explores our longing to reconnect with our culture, mend what was lost during colonisation and urbanisation, and merge both worlds — incorporating African knowledge systems into modern life,” said Mangoma.
Mangoma, who usually spends most of his time on international tours or at his Ngoma/Ingungu Cultural Arts Centre in Munyawiri Village, Domboshava, Mashonaland East, said he feels honoured to be returning home to Bulawayo with a not-to-be-missed musical production.
“I’m excited and honoured to be returning home to perform in this production. It’s an opportunity to share my passion for music and storytelling with my community and to celebrate our city’s rich cultural heritage.
“I’m looking forward to connecting with the audience and presenting a performance and lecture demonstration, showcasing instruments that were banned during colonisation and sharing my research on these lost instruments and their traditional playing styles.”
Those eager to attend the event can expect an immersive and engaging experience that combines music and storytelling. The show promises to be a vibrant celebration of Zimbabwean culture and heritage, with a unique blend of traditional and contemporary sounds.
