adminBrenda Phiri Entertainment Reporter
As Hope Masike’s brand continues to grow, the mbira diva has spruced up her band in an effort to be more competitive and distinctive in the music business. Masike has since added two members to her band; Courage Chikowo a marimba player and exceptional dancer together with guitarist Frank Mavhimira.
The duo join other members, bassist Elisha Herema, drummer Malvin Cheremari and percussionist Blessed Rukweza. The full band will be unveiled at Masike’s live concert that is being held at Misty’s in Newlands tonight.
Coupled with new dance routines, the move will serve to improve on the quality of the musician’’s act. “There set will be divided into two, starting off with myself in a solo set.
I will use a gadget called a loop station that will see me play my mbira and still have the effect of a full band. I will then invite the full band for the full set,” she said. In spite making these changes, Masike insists she is sustaining her mbira brand.
She even has a new maxim, “Feel Good Tasteful Mbira Music”.
This will be evident in her repertoire that will include ballads and dance tunes from her upcoming album that she will sample tonight.
The third album carries a number of high energy tracks that she feels is the best energy boost to beat the chills this winter.
“The winter has come earlier than expected this year and it makes sence to come out and dance.
“It will be exciting as I will play some of my new songs that are really great.
“I have actually had challenges picking up the ones that will be on the album,” she said.
In the same breathe, the mbira player urged local to foster the culture supporting local acts especially by attending their shows.
“Local people must support us, that is the only way we are going to become international. Artistes’ biggest fans are those at home so I urge people to come out and see all the amazing talent that we have here,” she said
Online Reporter