The Future of Afro-Sound

Delivering an unforgettable live experience, Zimbabwe’s celebrated young band, Mokoomba return to The Apex on 27 July with their enthusiastic mix of pan-African styles and Tonga rhythms.

Zimbabwe was once the powerhouse of African popular music, with artists such as Bhundu Boys and Black Umfolosi. Now, following in their footsteps, Mokoomba have been hailed as the most impressive band the country has produced in recent memory. The incredible vocal range and electrifying intensity of lead singer Mathias Muzaza, together with the band of energetic young musicians, bring raw energy and youthful passion in contagiously joyful performances.

Songlines Magazines have declared them to be “the new hotshots of Pan-African funkiness”, while fRoots Magazine likens Muzaza’s outstanding vocals to Kanda Bongo Man and Baaba Maal.

The Zambesi River touches five African countries and visitors from all around the world come to see Victoria Falls, creating a melting pot of diverse cultures. This helps to explain Mokoomba’s enjoyable and danceable fusion of Afrobeat, Tonga rhythms and Congolese grooves, complemented with dashes of Rap, Ska and Latin.

Their big break came in 2012 with the album ‘Rising Tide’, which featured in ‘Best of’ lists in The Guardian and fRoots and won Songlines Magazine’s Best Newcomer Award. Over the past decade, Mokoomba has toured over 40 countries, and their electrifying performances have captivated audiences at renowned festivals like WOMAD, Roskilde and SXSW.

Praise has been widespread, with the group dubbed “the best young band in Zimbabwe” by The Guardian’s Robin Denslow, and “quite simply the most impressive band Zimbabwe has produced in recent memory” by Afropop Worldwide’s Banning Eyre.

Mokoomba play at The Apex in Bury St Edmunds on Thursday 27 July. See www.theapex.co.uk or ring 01284 758000 for more details and to book tickets.