WHILE celebrated Afro-fusion ensemble Mokoomba continues to shine on the international scene through a current global tour which started in April this year, the compelling question is: Will those tours and the group’s fame translate to earnings that will transform their lives?
There have been several cases of artistes who serenaded international audiences with their alluring music, but all they got was fame and no meaningful financial returns.
The case of the Bhundu Boys of ‘Simbimbino’ fame, who became international stars but most of the group’s members died with nothing to show for their fame and status, is one such example of the subtle exploitation of artistes by greedy promoters and uncouth producers.
Mokoomba is a Zimbabwean group from Chinotimba Township, Victoria Falls, made up of 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).
Speaking to Patriot Arts, Mokoomba’s manager Marcus Gora said the band has been outside the country for some months and will continue with the tours up to year-end.
“Mokoomba started the tour late April and will be back in Zimbabwe for a three-week break then resume touring till the beginning of November,” said Gora.
“They have played concerts at music venues and at festivals, mostly in Austria, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Norway, Switzerland, the UK and the US.”
Since the talented group’s debut in the international limelight, it has gone on to become a popular outfit.
The six-member band is rarely in the country.
It seems being on international tours has become a norm for the group, something many local artistes only dream of.
It is true the group is not only talented, but has managed to penetrate circles where the accomplished tread.
There is no doubt Mokoomba’s presence in Europe and the US is testimony to the group’s capabilities to deliver the best of Zimbabwean music.
With such travelling and touring, one hopes and expects that the group is not only gaining experience but reaping immense monetary benefits.
Mokoomba rose to fame in 2008 when they won the regional competition, Music Crossroads International in Lilongwe, Malawi.
Although the group has not attracted much local attention as other renowned local musicians, the world, particularly Europe, cannot have enough of Mokoomba.
The group has received rave reviews in the international media and have represented Zimbabwean music at popular international festivals that are graced by the best of the world.
“During their tour, they have been promoting their new album Luyando which has been well received and both the album and band’s live performances have received rave reviews in the international media,” said Gora.
International tours are not a new phenomenon for the group.
Since their inception, the group has graced a number of festivals and European tours.
The group has been labelled by many European bloggers and reviewers as ‘the best of Africa and Zimbabwe’.
But we are yet to see their mansions because generally, many international stars have a lot to show for their efforts.
Back to the Bhundu Boys.
Their presence on the international music scene in 1986 is an example of ‘how not to do things’, especially for groups like Mokoomba.
The Bhundu Boys conquered the British music scene to the extent of sharing the stage with the queen of pop, Madonna, at Wembley Stadium.
They also managed to do the ‘unusual’ by signing a contract with one of the biggest labels in the world, Warner Brothers.
They had the fame and international accolades, but had nothing to show for it years later.
Their leader, Biggie Tembo, committed suicide while one of their members is a farmhand in Scotland.
Others died literally paupers.
Their story, though tragic, must be an example for local artistes not to relax in the comfort of fame, but rather invest for a better future.
Like the Bhundu Boys, Mokoomba has won international acclaim and have become popular among fellow African musicians.
One hopes Mokoomba are not clouded by the glitter of international stages.
There is also the danger of them being exploited by Western handlers who are known to have milked African performers dry, hence they should secure their future.
The group has in the past toured Europe and the Oceania with countries like Austria, Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland and the UK having a feel of the Zimbabwean group’s music.
They have three albums to their name Keseka, Rising tide and Luyando.