×
NewsDay

AMH is an independent media house free from political ties or outside influence. We have four newspapers: The Zimbabwe Independent, a business weekly published every Friday, The Standard, a weekly published every Sunday, and Southern and NewsDay, our daily newspapers. Each has an online edition.

Bongo Love shines in Hifa debut

News
AFTER a busy and productive year of touring several countries, internationally acclaimed Afro- acoustics outfit Bongo Love finally broke their silence on the local music scene.

AFTER a busy and productive year of touring several countries, internationally acclaimed Afro- acoustics outfit Bongo Love finally broke their silence on the local music scene and thrilled the crowds during their debut Hifa performance on Thursday.

Simbarashe Manhango

Despite having to perform during one of the probably delicate early morning slots, Bongo Love braved the “weather” and their show at the Coca-Cola Green Stage was even well attended.

Performing for the first time with a completely new outfit that has female vocalist Claire Dangarembwa, backing vocalist Nobuntu on board, to diversify the sound, their set was on point and they got festival lovers on their feet, sampling some of their new jams.

The morning proved golden as Bongo Love introduced some of the new tracks off their forthcoming, self- titled album, Bongo Love.

They are certainly a musical force to reckon with musically and are set to tour the world with self exiled Chimurenga guru Thomas Mapfumo next month.

They will tour the United States of America, Canada and Mexico, promoting their newly released album that is also set to be officially launched in the US.

Speaking to NewsDay on the sidelines of their Hifa performance, the group said, “We are very excited for this Hifa debut and we actually didn’t expect this kind of turnout for a morning show, but the crowd gave us energy.

“We simply loved it and most important is the fact that we were playing songs from our new album and people just loved it.

“We have also made a few changes to our line–up so as to spice up our act. We have decided to grow and boost our sound and that is exactly how the band will function, especially during our tour with Mukanya.”

The album Bongo Love is a seven track album, a celebration of love and expression of the artistic side of the ensemble.

With an explosive track list including songs such as Zimbabwe, a typical celebration of love and oneness. Sunga Bhande is a a motivational song that urges one to work harder in everything ,the album is certainly a must listen.

Meanwhile, Bongo Love has a bunch of shows locally before they embark on their world tour at Book Café tomorrow and around the capital.

Bongo Love rose to fame in 2001 and continued to up the ladder under the guidance of Music Crossroads Zimbabwe (MCZ). It is amazing that they still cherish the experience they learnt from MCZ director Mathias Bangure.

“MCZ took us as a young band and Bangure believed in us and put us on the stage. Here we are, presenting our works before incredible stages in the world. Good working relationships and positivity has also helped us maintain focus”.

In 2007, this outfit performed before a 90 000 crowd at Madison Square Gardens for three days. To date they have toured countries like Equatorial Guinea, United Kingdom and Sweden to mention a few.