Trust Khosa
WHEN it comes to conquering Europe, the Bhundu Boys can lay the claim that they did far better than any other Zimbabwean musical group.
Their finest hour came at Wembley in 1987 when, over three nights, as a supporting act to Madonna’s “Who’s That Girl World Tour” they played before over 240 000 fans.
Many Zimbabwean musical groups and legendary musicians have played in Europe over the years and some have left an impression there.
If there has been a concern, then it has come from those who argue that most of their shows have predominantly been before Zimbabwean audiences.
The argument there has been that these artistes have not managed to have a crack into the European musical fans the way Nigerian stars like Davido and Burna Boy have done.
The Bhundu Boys, to their credit, established a market among European music fans and were on their way to making a mark in the United States when their in-house challenges started, leading to their eventual collapse.
It’s something Tonga super group, Mokoomba, appear to be doing, with a lot of success, right now.
Their current Tusona Tour, which has taken them to Sweden, Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands has been a huge success and voices are starting to be heard suggesting that Mokoomba could be the biggest Zimbabwean musical act right now.
“It’s about conquering those tough markets in Europe, the United States and Down Under in Australia which defines the greatest of a musical act,” said a local musical analyst, who chose not to be named.
“That’s what these guys are doing and they are playing before big audiences, many of whom can hardly understand a word of their music but are blown away by their musical artistry.
“I don’t think, when it comes to playing before other nationalities, who are not Zimbabweans, especially in Europe, there is a bigger musical act in our country today than Mokoomba.
“We need to celebrate these guys and inspire them to do even more because they are really going places.
“They are flying our national flag.”
The Hot Jazz Club of Munster, Germany, has described them as one of the most successful bands from Africa.
“Mokoomba is currently one of the most successful bands from Africa with Afro Fusion energetic stage show and the unique, highly changeable voice of Mathias Muzaza.
“(Their) blend of Zimbabwean rhythms, Afrobeat and Afro rock has every audience going crazy.
When the six Zimbabwean musicians storm the stage and the audience roars, the earth shakes.
“Anyone who has experienced Mokoomba live knows that the band does not leave an audience at their concerts.”
They are set to play there on Thursday.