adminBruce Ndlovu
Victoria Falls-based Afro Fusion band Mokoomba is still awe struck after their historic appearance at New Yorka��s famed Apollo Theatre last Saturday.
The musically rich but little known band walked on the footprints of giants when it stomped on the same stages that have been witness to the likes of James Brown, the Jackson 5, Kirk Franklin, Stevie Wonder and Billie Holiday.
Although the group receives little airplay on the countrya��s stations, it achieved the feat that has eluded some of the countrya��s greatest musical exponents like Thomas Mapfumo and Oliver Mtukudzi.
The Zimbabwean group was part of the Africa Now concert, which will see them share the stage with Nigera��s Bombino, Ghanaa��s Jojo Abot plus Sudana��s Alsaraah and the Nubatones in the annual concert.
The New York Times reserved high praise for the group, expressing that the group and the audience would have benefited from more time on stage.
a�?So three songs were only a glimpse of Mokombaa��s abilities a�� a glimpse that included a modal ballad with riveting, griot-strength lead vocals from Mathias Muzaza; a song rooted in the thumb-piano patterns of Zimbabwean tradition; and one that started with sweet, Congo-style vocal harmonies and grew into a crisp, irresistible soukous workout, complete with some synchronised dance steps. A full-length set would have been welcome,a�? wrote reviewer Joe Pareles.
The groupsa�� manager Marcus Gora said that the magnitude of performing at the Apollo was not lost on members of the group. After their performance on Saturday, the group received a standing ovation from an appreciative audience at the prestigious venue.
a�?The Apollo has seen some of the biggest artistes and groups perform on its stages and we are happy to be part of that tradition now. This is something that no one can take away from us and that is an achievement that we will always treasure,a�? he said.
Gora added that the group would start to get similar praise and acclaim at home. .
Online Reporter