Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
ZIMBABWE’S internationally acclaimed Afro-fusion outfit Mokoomba has cancelled their much-anticipated Johannesburg performance, citing scheduling conflicts, as the group gears up for their final European tour of 2025.
The cancelled show, which was slated for October 25, was part of the band’s preparations ahead of their Tusona Tour Autumn 2025, where they will showcase their award-winning 2023 album, Tusona, across Austria, Germany, and Sweden in November.
Guitarist Trust Samende confirmed the development, expressing regret over the unforeseen schedule change.
“We’re preparing for our last tour this year in Europe. Unfortunately, due to a scheduling clash, we’re no longer able to do the gig in Johannesburg on October 25,” said Samende.
“We apologise for the inconvenience and thank the hosts and fans for their understanding. We’ll reschedule the performance soon to honour our South African supporters.”
Despite the setback, the group remains upbeat as they prepare to thrill audiences abroad. Their European tour will begin on November 1 at the Victoria Theatre in Malmö, Sweden, followed by Ampere in Munich, Germany, on November 6. On November 7, Mokoomba will headline the Selam Festival in Stockholm, before performing at Treibhaus in Innsbruck, Austria, on November 8. The tour will wrap up on November 14 at Trans Vocal in Frankfurt Oder, Germany.
Tusona, released in 2023, captures Mokoomba’s artistic evolution, a dynamic blend of traditional Zimbabwean rhythms with global genres such as funk, reggae, soukous and Afro-beat. The album showcases the magnetic vocals of Mathias Muzaza and the masterful instrumentation that has defined Mokoomba’s global sound.
The group began 2025 with a successful European run that included stops in Portugal, Germany and Spain, further cementing their status as one of Zimbabwe’s most successful musical exports.
Samende revealed that plans are underway for year-end concerts in Zimbabwe, which will serve as a grand homecoming after the band’s international exploits.
Formed in 2002 in Chinotimba, Victoria Falls, Mokoomba’s line-up features Mathias Muzaza (lead vocals), Trust Samende (lead guitar, backing vocals), Abundance Mutori (bass, backing vocals), Donald Moyo (keyboards, backing vocals), Ndaba Coster Moyo (drums, backing vocals) and Miti Mugande (percussion, backing vocals).
