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While they received an award for being Zimbabwea��s best ambassadors at the Bulawayo Arts Awards last week, Victoria Falls fusion band Mokoomba has also been earning the admiration of arts critics in the UK where they performed during their ongoing overseas tour.
Although many feel like they have not received due recognition at home, the group finally got an accolade in Zimbabwe when they won at the inaugural Bulawayo awards recently, coming ahead of the world renowned Black Umfolosi and Insingizi at the glamorous ceremony.
The group has not been short of plaudits since it burst on the scene a few years ago but the latest, coming from the respected Independent newspaper, carries even more weight. The publication had nothing but high praise for the group after they performed at Londona��s 229, comparing them to some of the countrya��s erstwhile greats that cracked the world music scene.
a�?It is a long time since Zimbabwe gave us some of the giants of African music but in the mighty Mokoomba, there is finally a convincing successor. Two decades after the glory years of the Bhundu Boys and the Four Brothers, this six-strong band from Victoria Falls are also wowing Western audiences with uplifting melodies and irresistible dance tunes,a�? wrote the papera��s arts critic Rob Merrick.
While acknowledging the talent of lead singer Mathias Muzaza, the paper pointed out that the group was made stronger by its collective genius.
a�?But the banda��s magic quality is the perfect gelling of guitar, bass keyboard and African drums. Song after song boasts impressive arrangements, with the stirring Kulindisiwe the highlight,a�? he wrote.
The group is now headed to North America, were they are scheduled to perform in 11 shows scheduled for July and August beginning with the Concert of Colours in Detroit on 14 August. .
Online Reporter