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Arts Correspondent
While most young Zimbabwean musicians are singing about fast love, money and having a good time, the youthful Highfield based, seven-member Afro-fusion band Brezhnev and the Mhonda Acoustics sing about the more meaningful issues in life with wisdom beyond their age. Brezhnev and the Mhanda Acoustics was formed in 2011 following a series of musical workshops and home practice.
The group is largely self-taught. They are a new Afro-jazz sound and brand to come out of Highfield.
The youthful and energetic group, whose average age is 23, creates music which affirms to the goodness of African culture.
Although little known on the club circuits, the band has set many stages alight with their mbira, guitars and percussions as much as with their free-style dance routines.
The band comprises Brezhnev Guveya the band leader, vocalist, composer and mbira player Ngonidzashe Ritala on acoustic guitar, Kermodie Tavengwa on chromatic marimba, Marian Sanhewe features on vocals and shakers, Nicholas Dhlodhlo on percussions, drums and djembe, Simba Ritala on bass guitar and Tinotenda Sauramba on vocals.
Brezhnev and his band have performed at numerous cultural events where their socio-cultural lyrics inspired the audience, whilst their high-tempo Afro-beat kept audiences on their feet.
Band leader Brezhnev says: “Hondo ndeye tsika nemagariro. Hunhu wedu warasika”- (The core of our lyrics and social battle is about customs, life and traditions and how our generation has lost it. There is more to being an African than just the colour of your skin.)
With hard-hitting lyrics that foster altruistic and moral social behaviour, the talented musicians bring a fresh perspective to today’s youthful music. Their nation building lyrics and socially poignant messages bring a new tone to Zimbabwean Afro-Pop. Their musical lines deal with the current and social, cultural and economic state of suburban, high density life.
Brezhnev continues: “Music is the sound track to our daily lives. A musician has to really care for people in both the lyrics and performance for the audience to appreciate and feel the energy of your music long after the show is over”.
The impetus for their music is their consistent ambition, skilful talent and desire to make a difference in today’s youth with their message. Their fresh and revolutionary sound fuelled by the natural charisma of the musicians, often leaves their audiences renewed with faith in the power of live music. Due to launch their debut album shortly, the group is set to thrill a cross-section of audiences.
This will probably not be the last we hear of Brezhnev and the Mhanda Acoustics. “As a song writer my concerns go beyond just me, I realise that as young musicians we are responsible for what surrounds us. The greater part of human society, our environment and its future must be our concern,” says Brezhnev.
Online Reporter