Mokoomba

Mokoomba is a Zimbabwean musical group, originally from Chinotimba township, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The group sings in a number of languages including English, Luvale, Tonga, Nyanja, Ndebele and Shona. Mokoomba takes its name from a Tonga word that connotes deep respect for the Zambezi river and the vibrant life along its banks.

Mokoomba combine traditional and modern instruments and a variety of international pop and pan-African styles – including soukous, funk and reggae – to bring together different cultures from Southern, East and Central Africa. Mokoomba has released three albums so far, and is currently signed to the afrocentric German record label, Outhere Records.

Mokoomba has toured widely, and won critical praise at home and abroad. The Guardian’s Robin Denslow called Mokoomba “the best young band in Zimbabwe”, while Afropop World Wide’s Banning Eyre described them as “quite simply the most impressive band Zimbabwe has produced in recent memory”. Jon Pareles of The New York Times called lead singer Mathias Muzaza’s vocal range “riveting” and “griot-strength”. Issac Chirwa praised Mokoomba as “Zimbabwe’s best band” in Zimbabwe’s Daily News Live.

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