We are thrilled to share the exciting news of Mokoomba's newest album, "Tusona: Tracings in the Sand" - recordedentirely in a DIY fashion during the pandemic, showcasing their unique Zimbabwean sound and honoring their deep respect for tradition.

"Tusona" pays homage to the Luvale tradition of using signs and symbols drawn in the sand during initiation ceremonies. It represents Mokoomba's artistic growth and reflects their collective experiences over the years, forging a distinctive musical identity.

The album is a testament to Africa's guitar band heritage and disproves the notion that Africa's musical output is solely producer-based. Mokoomba's music resonates with the heartbeat and rhythm of a community connected through their music, serving as a source of rejuvenation, resilience, and strength in these changing times.

TUSONA - LISTEN NOW


Financial Times
"Mokoomba, Victoria Falls’s finest musical export, staked their claim as future headliners. The Zimbabwean group opened with a brooding “Masangango”, matching the gathering clouds. Trustworth Samende snapped a guitar string and Abundance Mutori filled in with a dub-heavy bass vamp until Samende was ready to unleash the band’s trademark mix of jit and zamrock. By the end, as “Welelye” segued into “Africa”, the crowd were dancing and shouting amid the raindrops.” Financial Times (about Mokoomba at WOMAD) 

Songlines
5 Star Review
“Mokoomba are back at last, six years on from their last album Luyando and ten years after winning a Songlines Newcomers Award at the start of their international career. Since then, this band of former school friends from Chinotimba Township, Victoria Falls, on Zimbabwe's northern borders have revived the spirit of their country's musical glory days, back in the 80s, with their fusion of Tonga rhythms, soca, soukous “and other things we listened to… growing up.” And they are on rousing, classic form on this no-nonsense, self-produced set of ten new songs plus three new upbeat versions of tracks from Luyando. The opening ‘Tamvela Mama’ sets the mood with its blend of tight, rippling guitar and bass work, keyboard lines that sound like brass parts, urgent vocals from Mathias Muzaza and slick backing vocals. This is joyful dance music for a hot summer's night, even though they are singing about greedy relatives on ‘Nzara Hapana’, or pleading for rain on ‘Nyansola’. Elsewhere they slow down for ‘Manina’, a lament for a loved one lost during the pandemic (featuring Harare singer Ulethu and lyrics in English), and there's fine vocal work on ‘Kandonga’, a celebration of a beer-hall gathering with backing provided by handclaps and percussion. They should be brilliant at WOMAD.”

WDR
Album der Woche
"Im Zentrum des Mokoomba-Sounds: die Wahnsinns-Performance von Lead-Sänger Mathias Muzaza, mit großen Stimmumfang und einer beeindruckenden vokalen Intensität. Man nennt ihn 'den Mann mit den 1000 Stimmen', mal rau, mal weich, guttural, trällernd und dabei so spirituell wie rockig."

The Guardian
"This third album affirms their savvy mix of spirituality and exuberance."


MOKOOMBA
One of the Top 10 Bands out of Africa

“The best young band in Zimbabwe.”
The Guardian

"I've seen the future of Afrosound and it is called Mokoomba."- RBB

Mokoomba, an explosively talented six-man crew from the Victoria Fall, has been hailed as one of the most exciting band from Africa in the 21st century! With over 40 countries and prestigious international festivals under their belt, they performed at the world’s biggest festivals and venues, Sziget, Roskilde, North Sea Jazz, New York’s Apollo Theater, New Orleans Jazz and many more.

ACHIEVEMENTS & AWARDS

Arts Personality Award Winner (NAMA) 2019
Afro Pop Award Winner 2018
Songlines Music Award Nominees: Best Group 2018
Songlines: Top Of The World Album 2017
Bulawayo Arts Awards - Best Ambassador 2017
Zimbabwe Music Awards: Best Touring Artists 2014/2013
Zim Achievers Awards UK 2014
Zimbabwe Music Awards (International Achiever Award) 2014
Songlines: Best Newcomer 2013 

PRESS QUOTES

„sensational a capella harmonies“ … beats that transform the audience into a rhythmic congregation of movers and shakers, dancing and clapping along to Miti Mugande’s earthy percussion. Mathias Muzaza shows off his extraordinary vocal range. It's a voice that never tires, growing in depth and versatility as the evening progresses.

“A triumphant return.”

„the subtle instrumentation and emotive backing vocals allowed lead singer Mathias Muzaza‘s unique voice to shine. The atmosphere was instantly electric with everyone’s attention glued to the stage.“; „His vocal range is something I’ve never experienced live before and is only matched by his ability to convey the emotions of each song with just the tone of his voice

“There’s an irrepressible energy, spectacular guitar work and a lot of soul … Lead singer Mathias Muzaza is a dynamic force and the rest of the band add impressive vocal harmonies, particularly in the a cappella Nyaradzo, which evokes the sound of fellow Southern Africans, Ladysmith Black Mamboza.”

“The melodies are the perfect Zimbabwean combination of sweet and sad.”

he best young band in Zimbabwe return to basics in powerful style … They sound even better on this often sparse, DIY set in which they concentrate on gently energetic songs about traditional life, history and culture in the Victoria Falls region where they grew up.”

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