Mokoomba introduces new set, bids Harare farewell

By Kundai Marunya

High flying afro fusion group Mokoomba set alight Alliance Francaise with new songs from their upcoming album.

The group which was in the studio a couple of months ago gave a taste of what to look forward to from their third album scheduled for released later in the year.

First up was their lead vocalist Mathius Muzaza and bass guitarist Trust Samende starting up with a catchy but soft tune, to be later joined on stage by other group members who came in single file dancing to the music while clapping different objects including drum sticks and wooden blocks.

The fashionable entry was followed up with an electric performance of other new songs, yet to be titled but brilliant in their making. The music struck a whole new diversity from the group’s usual vibes while hitting the right notes to create an anxiety for a release of the polished sound which is still being mixed and mastered by South Africa’s Steve Dyer.

Other songs which were also played in a refreshing manner include Yombe and Nyaradzo. Revelers could not help but sing along, dance and at the end of the performance stand up in ovation.

Meanwhile, the show also acted as a warm up and farewell as the group cross the Zambezi for a performance at the Earth Festival in Livingstone Zambia tomorrow. Their regional travel will also take them to Capetown as they go on to perform at the Nuworld Festival next Saturday.

In South Africa the group will share stage with rhumba legend Kanda Bongoman, Simpiwe Dana, Rick Rik and Native Young among other artists. Mokoomba manager Marcus Gora said, “The line up is tight so we will have to be at our best. The group usually thrive is such situations.”