Winners of Songlines magazines newcomer award in 2013, Mokoomba is widely recognized as a major up and coming African act. They are currently on tour across Europe, Australia, Asia, and are heading to North America for their first time this summer.
Hailing from a border town close to Zambia, Botswana and Namibia, Mokoomba are known for their unique sound and for singing in Tonga, a lesser-known language in Zimbabwe, their manager Marcus Gora explains. "When you were growing up there, you couldn't escape different cultures, languages and musical influences. There was music from the local Tonga tradition, Congolese rumba and soukous, funk, pop from the Beatles, and even country. That's what our parents played" (Guardian; April 25, 2013). The six-piece band includes keyboard, rhythm and bass guitar and a dynamic showcase of Tonga made instruments like Tonga Jemba (drums), whistle and bell as well as a host of other indigenous instruments.
Opening the night is local artist Chaka Chikodzis band The Resolutionaries, who play Zimbabwean marimba melodies that promise to light up the dance floor. Headliners at major African music festivals, The Resolutionaries bring an urban sound to age-old African songs.
"Mokoomba's success is more than a mere rising tide. It is a rushing current, much like their revered Zambezi River, ready to carry the band to new audiences as well as nurture a worldwide awareness of Zimbabwe's rich cultural diversity." - Songlines, UK, September 2013
Adults - $30; Youth (under 19) - $20 plus HST and handling fee
Performing in the Regina Rosen Auditorium
