Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
MUSICAL group Matojeni Melo Maniacs (MMM) has returned home to Bulawayo following an electrifying European tour that saw them perform in Austria, Italy, Germany and the Czech Republic from early July to the end of September.
This marks the group’s second international tour since their formation in 2023 and once again, MMM left an indelible mark as ambassadors of Matabeleland’s musical and cultural identity.
The group graced prominent stages, including Italy’s Indigenous Festival and the Chiala Africa Festival in Graz, Austria, as well as a variety of theatres and concert venues across Europe.
Group founder and director Blessings Nqo, a member of the acclaimed Insingizi trio now based in Austria, expressed pride in the tour’s success.
“We are back home after touring Europe. It was a truly successful journey. We spent three months moving from country to country, performing at booked events and picking up additional gigs along the way. Initially, the tour was set to end on 9 September, but due to demand, we extended our stay,” said Nqo.
He added that the tour was not only about performances, but also about building connections and cultural exchange.
“Our tour coincided with numerous African celebration festivals in Europe. We shared stages with artistes from South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire and more. We forged great connections and learnt a lot from interacting with them — about language, music, culture and their ways of life.”
Looking ahead, MMM is already preparing for another European tour next summer, with bookings at major festivals already confirmed.
Meanwhile, the group is working on a new single, eLondon, which will be released alongside a visual project.
“We composed the song during the tour and the chemistry is strong. We’re excited for fans to see and hear it. Being back home is also a chance for our band members, many of whom are married, to reconnect with their families,” Nqo said.
MMM’s line-up comprises five versatile artistes — Thandeka Patricia “Thandy Dhlana” Jele, Gugulethu “Gugue” Sibanda, Cheryl Mabaya, Mthabisi Moyo, and Bekezela “Sjure” Siziba — each contributing their unique talent to create a culturally rich and cohesive performance experience.
