adminBlessed Katiyo in JOHANNESBURG
SOUTH Africa-based marimba ensemble, Totem Marimba Band, has taken the Jozi entertainment scene by storm since its emergence recently.
The group has been invited to numerous high-profile events and left fans in awe at the Alicats Pub in Randburg where they were invited to perform in front of a Zimbabwean crowd at the weekend.
“We have been in the music industry since 2015 but we have not really been actively marketing ourselves.
“We have been playing at mainly closed events, such as at corporate functions, diplomatic communities and so on,” said group member Innocent Mtangadura.
The group did not just come by chance.
It was formed by leader Michael Sibanda, a veteran in the industry.
He is a music teacher at the posh St Stithians College, in Randburg.
He teamed up with fellow Zimbabweans to form this formidable force.
Other members of the group are Themba Mawoko, who joined the band upon his return from the United States of America.
Mawoko has previously played with musical group Bongo Love.
Another member is Simon Charinge who is also a music teacher at The Ridge School in Northcliff, in Johannesburg.
Charinge is no stranger to music and was once a drummer for the late Sam Mtukudzi.
Spokesperson of the group, Mtangadura, is also a music teacher at St David’s Inanda in Sandton, as well as at Auckland Park Preparatory School.
He is well-known as the keyboardist for Thomas Mapfumo whenever he tours Africa for gigs.
“Mr Sibanda came up with this idea because he knew once we join hands we can be a force to be reckoned with.
“We have played over 150 gigs here in South Africa but plans are underway to tour other territories including our homeland Zimbabwe,” he added.
It is not only a band composed of teachers only.
The last, and youngest member of the band, is Tafadzwa Sibanda, the son of founder Michael.
Tafadzwa is a lawyer by profession.
Asked how it feels to play with his heir to the throne, Sibanda said:
“It is indeed a great feeling.
“Taffy has always been in the bands where I have been teaching music since my days in Botswana.
“He is the one who always keeps us in check.
“He has a busy schedule at his work place but he tries as much as possible to juggle his work and our performances,” said the elder Sibanda
“We are away from home and we need to keep our culture.
“Our performance at Alicats touched us so much since we were playing in front of people that we relate to.
“We wish for more such performances all across South Africa.”
The group is so versatile that they can play any song by any artist.
It can range from pop, rock, soul, sungura, Chimurenga, Dendera or ndombolo.
They left fans crying for more and pub manager, Jay “Chief Jay” Garan’anga, indicated they will soon get into talks with the group to make them a resident band at the popular night spot.
“This is a new and refreshing development for us.
“As you witnessed, this group is top notch and the fans loved them.
“They made all of us connect with home and we will soon engage to ensure that they are regulars here,” added Chief J, who also doubles as a resident DJ.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter