adminBrenda Phiri Entertainment Reporter
Old school township band, Mbare Boys, are back is business after over a decade in hibernation.
The group has announced its return to the local music scene with a new six-track album, “Mudhara Ndiani” that brings back the old township vibe, according to band member John “Mr 10 Days Under Water” Bunga.
“Our band is back together and it is now business as usual for us. We have not been on stage in a while but we are geared for success as we are bringing music from under water. I composed all the songs,” he said.
Of the six tracks on the album, the title track is an interesting song on which the singers refuse to be called old men.
“The song is in response to the “mudhara” (old man) title that we are given in the ghettos. Mudhara ndisekuru vari kuruzeva uko kwete isu (the old men are in the villages, not us),” said the outspoken Bunga
The album was recorded at a private studio owned by fellow old schoool artiste Tichaona Chacha who had the privilege of working with late great icons James Chimombe and John Chibadura.
Chacha, according to the Mbare Boys lead vocalist, was able to bring to life their “Mbaqanga” sound.
Mbaqanga is a type of township jazz that was popularised by the likes of Miriam Makeba and The Soul Brothers, some of the best acts to ever come out of South Africa.
“We appreciate that the music scene is flooded with youthful musicians but we are confident that there will be a fair share that admires our music.
“Our music has valuable teachings and we sure know how to have good time and fun,” he said.
The old timers will also use their experience in the game.
“We are looking forward to a bright future. We are more than ready for live performances as we have been fortunate to acquire musical instruments from former Two Plus Two sponsor Tendai Mufumhira,” he said
Bunga, however, expressed his fear for being looked down upon by promoters who he encouraged to treat all artistes equally.
Mbare Boys is a six member band that gained acclamation for classic album covers in the late 1970s and early 90’s before disappearing from the music scene.
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