THE Bible verse ‘a prophet has no honour in his own country’ best describes the internationally renowned musical group Mokoomba.
While the group receives rave reviews overseas and has a legion of fans who cannot get enough of them, locally they are a ‘nonentity’.
Elsewhere they are described as a world music act.
And the six lads from Chinotimba, Victoria Falls, Mathias Muzaza (lead vocals), Ndaba Coster Moyo (drums, backing vocals), Trustworth Samende (lead guitar, backing vocals), Donald Moyo, (keyboards, backing vocals), Miti Mugande, (percussion and backing vocals) and Abundance Mutori (bass, backing vocals) are favourites of many in European cities and the Americas.
These crooners of repute are regarded as among Africa’s most internationally successful young band.
Their rise, according to music pundits, is as deserved as it is remarkable.
Simply put Mokoomba’s music is exceptional and represents an Afrocentric force of composition that clearly highlights the beauty of the sounds of Africa.
But it seems many locals are unaware of this group.
Their powerful and unique sound has largely been ignored, their talent unappreciated.
For years now, they have gone without the recognition that is due them in the country.
Their beautiful and inspiring songs seem to have totally failed to tickle the hearts of their people.
In an interview with Patriot Arts, Mokoomba’s manager Marcus Gora said the story behind Mokoomba’s popularity on the international scene was hinged on the type of music they play.
“The thing is that we make music that is original, authentic and is interesting to people around the world; we are offering them a unique sound,” said Gora.
A lot of music that is popular in the country is a derivative of sounds from other nations such as Jamaica and the US.
Gora said their originality and emphasis on the African culture increased their relevance on the international scene.
“Most Zimbabweans follow current trends of music while our music is inspired by traditional reading, therefore many prefer music for parties,” he said.
He, however, said there was a growing appreciation of their music locally.
“We have a good number of people coming to our concerts who appreciate traditional music but we are always on international tours which has limited the number of our local shows.”
Despite their popularity, these artistes remain at the periphery of the music scene locally and their songs are rarely played while a very few promoters engage them.
Gora said local promoters and radio stations prioritised ‘popular’ artistes.
“Radio stations and promoters focus on ‘popular’ artistes, for example trending artistes from Jamaica and South Africa and one or two local acts,” he said.
Mokoomba’s music has transcended the language barrier as it is enjoyed on the continent and overseas.
Like renowned African legends Oliver Mtukudzi, Senegal’s Ishmael Lo, Baab Maal, Mali’s Salif Keita and Ivorian Dobet Gnahore, Mokoomba are on their way to becoming a global icon.
With two albums to their name Kweseka and Rising tide, the group has become an ambassador for the country.
Their exploits on the stage have kept the country in the international music limelight.
Mokoomba’s latest offering Luyando, a ‘Mother’s Love’, to be officially launched this month, will be the group’s third album.
It is a 10-track album covering themes of love, respect and other life experiences.
Luyando is delivered in four languages of Tonga, Nyanja, Luvali and Shona.
The group’s members began playing together in 2001, and Mokoomba was officially formed in 2008.
Their first major success came that same year when they won the Music Crossroads Inter-Regional Festival Competition in Malawi.
This year they have toured seven European countries and are set for another tour in the US and will be back in Europe touring from April to September 2017.