adminHarare international Conference Centre.
Mokoomba put to rest questions on people’s minds about their credibility and in what capacity they had earned the right to feature alongside legendary Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi and the iconic Zahara.
The six-member group from Chinotimba Township, Victoria Falls, have only been on the music circuit for four years, yet their success has broken through the regional and international arenas. Saturday Lifestyle caught up with the down-to-earth outfit who shared their success story. Their music has taken them to more than 30 European countries and multiple African countries since launching themselves and that can only mean they are doing something right.
“Mokoomba is a Tonga word that explains the river, which is a rich source of life for our people in the Tonga culture. That celebration of that culture makes a great source of creativity for our music,” said band member Abundance Mutovi.
Other members include Mathias Muzaza, the lead vocalist, Coaster Moyo, the drummer (26), Donald Moyo, keyboard player (26), Trustworth Sumende the guitarist (24) and Miti Mugande on the percussion have been friends since their early days in Binga.
Mutovi (21), the youngest member, also explained that they take pride in their rich culture and hence the use of native languages Ndebele and Tonga.
“We sing about traditional rain rituals and tales making it easier for our audiences to appreciate our music. We are not trying to be what we are not even though our style is contemporary with elements of funk, reggae, soukous (version of rhumba music).
“We feel that this is where most of our locals get it wrong. No matter what genre one is singing, they have to convince listeners to believe their stories. You cannot try to sing like R Kelly because people would rather buy his music than someone trying to imitate him. You cannot sing about being filthy rich when in actual fact you are struggling to make ends meet,” he said.
Mutovi, however, explained that lack of appreciation of local talent was killing the industry since some go to the extent of shunning Mokoomba music because they do not understand what they sing. He pointed out that the same people then go on to buy music from other countries whose meaning they do not know. “We do not want to cry foul over the issue but we are playing our part by translating all our songs on our official website. Music on its own is a language but we are appealing to fellow countrymen to be tolerant and even attempt to learn other local languages.”
Marcus Gora, their manager, who has been with Makoomba for three years, reiterated the sentiments making reference to the trips they have taken as a group overseas. He, however, credits all the success to their hard work and perseverance.
“We believe in ourselves and even though we have been in many countries, we embrace our Zimbabwean identity. We started from nothing and there were times that we have played for an audience of four people. We did not dilute ourselves but took our time until we built a strong fan base in other African and European countries” he said.
Gora said, however, that his heart bleeds because back home, some people are still sceptical of their music. He expressed concern over how international stars are given royal treatment while locals are side lined – an issue that drove artistes like Zahara and P-Square to plead with Zimbabweans to support their own.
“You hardly hear our local music being played in other countries’ radio stations unless they are doing international programmes. They support each other and we should do the same,” said the manager.
Online Reporter