You may not have heard about these guys before but, believe it or not, they have been around for over ten years.One day, you will b following them just like I was about to do recently.
Last weekend, on Saturday the 28th February, on my way to a concert known as “Inspired By Legends Defined By Us” a live music performance by FaB Ovation at Tinkabell in Ballantyne Park, the rain began to lash against my sharp metallic car bonnet and my windscreen.
I could hardly see what was in front of me. My heart started hammering against my ribs like a trapped bird. My face turned pale. And the excitement I had earlier on for this event soon evaporated in seconds.
I was supposed to meet friends at this venue but the wet weather put me in the eye of the storm which led me to decide to abandon the trip.
I have often wanted to write about this group, Fab Ovation, since 2015. Its over ten years now since it was formed.
The late Kelly Rusike was the first to tell me about it since his son is the group’s drummer. I managed to see them perform only twice before, first at the Harare International Festival of the Arts (Hifa) in 2015 and second at Gava’s Restaurant in Belgravia when Clive ‘Mono’ Mukundu took his guitar and made an impromptu jam session with them on their own rendition of the song Ndiwe Muroyi, which almost made me cry as it reminded me of the late Stella Chiweshe and the late Dorothy Masuka..,
The Fab Ovation Band burst onto the music scene with impossible energy to ignore in 2014. Yet, as is often the case with young talents navigating the tumultuous waters of the music industry, they faced a daunting slump.
By 2016, they seemed perched on the precipice of imminent obscurity. But, with a steadfast spirit, perseverance and a bit of good fortune, they charted a course back to relevance with their albums and performances.
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These albums served not merely as a saving grace but as a triumphant return into the limelight. Their performance at Hifa 2017 brought them back into the lime light.
For a group that has been going on for twelve years, I wish they made more albums.
There are lots of recording studios in Harare now compared to the 80’s and 90’s. Their songs range from soulful love ballads to energetic dance tracks, appealing to a wide audience.
But, who are these guys?
According to their own publicist machinery, FaB Ovation is an Afro-fusion band from Zimbabwe, they bring an intriguing act of irresistible beats, amazing passion, energy, dance, story and art — All imbedded in song. The seven piece band incorporates different instrumentations, saxophone, guitars, marimba, trumpets, to name a few. Their unique sound embodies distinct Zimbabwean traditional flavours and a unique blend of ethnic and western styles.
FaB Ovation Band has a new sound, which distinctively is its own. They have performed on big stages such as HIFA 2015, Miss Tourism Zimbabwe, HIFA 2017 with the legendary Oliver Mtukudzi, Tumaini Festival 2017 in Malawi with the popular band from Japan, Iyco and Kakafuraha , and the Malawi Tisangalare 2019. The band was the opening act for the international singer Rob Burrell at the Zim Stock 2019, Goes Carnival Music Festival and at Miombo Magic Music Festival in Christon Bank in May 2022.
The seven piece band is now one of Zimbabwe’s best loved and most sought after group. FaB Ovation Band members have established themselves as one of today’s most successful ‘live’ high quality performers.
The group’s original, distinctive and authentic compositions range from delicate soulful love songs to upbeat rocking dance tunes that appeal to all music lovers. They also play copyright tunes on demand.
The three albums they have recorded so far are Ndiripo, Embrace and Mixed Bag. In addition, they have recorded three singles, namely Chimudhudhudhu (2021), Stars (2022) and Penya Africa (2022).
FaB Ovation Band keeps showcasing its diverse musical fusion at various venues and functions, on big or small stages. They have collaborated with both local and international artistes.
There are three Wyngards in Fab Ovation. group. It could easily be called a family group like the Rusikes or Runn Family vis-a-vis Brennan Wyngard (bass guitar/backing vocals (manager) Faith Ganyau-Wyngard (vocals\rhythm guitar (who is married to Brennan) and Nigel Wyngard (rhythm guitar/backing vocals (promoter/sponsor).
Apart from the Wyngards, there are four other members who provide solid rhythm to FaB Ovation’s music. These are Cole Rusike (Kelly Rusike’s son) on drums, Dzidzai Dzinotyiwei (vocals), Joe Vas (lead guitar and saxophone and Riaan Dreyer (keyboard).
These seven musicians are poised for a major breakout in 2026 as they span various genres, with strong representation from soul, classics, rock ,reggae, traditional R&B, and electronic scenes. .
Definitely one band to watch this year!
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