Trust Khosa
TONGA music outfit, Mokoomba, is back home after a successful whirlwind tour of Europe.
Formed in Victoria Falls, the group has been touring many European countries along with their manager Marcus Gora.
The group, which held a series of shows for the better part of October, came back on Monday.
Some of Mookomba’s sold-out gigs were in Munste, Germany, Rotterdam (October 19), Netherlands (October 20), Dortmund, Germany (October 21), Munchen, Germany (October 22), Berlin, Germany (October 23), Freiburg, Germany (October 25), Karlsruhe, Germany (October 26), Basel, Switzerland (October 27) and Zurich, Switzerland (October 28).
In an interview with H-Metro, Mokoomba band member and lead guitarist, Trust Samende, described the tour as a success.
“We are back home after a successful tour of Europe where we managed to win the hearts of many.
“What made this tour exciting was that we got an opportunity to play for some people who had never heard about Zimbabwean music,” he said.
Samende told H-Metro they have lined up a series of shows.
“We are going to hold our first public show in Harare at the Jam Tree this weekend.
“Before this show, we are going to perform at a private function on Thursday (today)
“We will only host our public show in Victoria Falls later this month.
“We last held a public show in Victoria Falls last month before we left for Europe. It was a befitting farewell before we left for Europe.”
Samende says international exposure has taught them to be responsible.
“As Mokoomba, we are now role models and ambassadors and that is a great motivating factor for us.
“Touring has made us to be responsible people who should never be caught offside,” he said.
The group, which has made rave reviews in Europe, made their breakthrough in 2008 when they won the Music Crossroads InterRegional Final in Lilongwe, Malawi.
Despite their international appeal, many locals are still to embrace them.
This has not deterred them from working hard to fulfil their dream.