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Nkululeko Nkala
IN my arts journey I have learnt that there is a route to actualisation starting from amateur, past norming, to professional and finally eating from your art.
In my last column I desperately wanted to write about world travelled and acclaimed Mookomba. But the arts were plunged into darkness with the passing on of legendary music producer Joe Maseko last week.
I have watched Mookomba live three times and countless times on TV and online. We have watched them break record after record, fill up venue after venue and continue to erase the memory of Bundu Boys. (Well, that’s a little dramatic).
Internationally and on paper Bundu Boys are the most successful act from Zimbabwe, they performed to thousands and at most of the elite international venues.
Obviously we can’t ignore Oliver Mtukudzi, but Mookomba have by far eclipsed all of them. Anyway after all the rave reviews, they took the whole country (Victoria Falls, Harare and Bulawayo) by surprise with a quick tour to these places. I would not have missed it for the world. So here are my take homes:
Mookomba are the tightest band one will see. Have you ever watched Michael Jackson live in Bucharest? Well the tightness is along those lines, less the pyrotechnics and the big stage.
The group is one, I mean heartbeat, one voice yet five-piece band. They have the necessary communication, call it chemistry if you like.
The amazing two-hour free show was at the new Venue at Busters called Steak House. Yes, you read right, two hours of an international show with no short cuts for free.
Who was at the show? All serious artistes were there (no offense to those who did not come through). I saw Jeys Marabini, Sotsha Moyo, The whole Outfit Band, Jomo Mhone, Mgcini Nyoni and many other creatives. Also in attendance was Urban Culxure, Skyz Metro FM, Chronicle and B-Metro.
The biggest take home was the major lessons to other keys man as they are affectionately known. They learnt lessons on playing instruments, on the value of rehearsal and obviously the showmanship and show off aspect.
Mookomba are nothing short of amazing. I could go on and on but it will be folly not to mention that for the fifth time there was another consultative meeting with the Minister (wherever you are please, insert a meme shaking his head).
Why should we go through this all the time? We have a new minister and we have to tell them the same thing we have been saying for the past five years.
We want results, I wish the powers-that-be could look at these things. Please note, most people in the ministry have been coming down with the ministers all the way from all over, getting allowances to listen to the same thing we have been saying for years. The arts need to grow. But not like this. Until next week, be safe…
@nkuenkala 0772214373
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