Zimboita thrilled by Botswana tour
Thato Kala | Wednesday August 27, 2014 12:30
The band was formed in 2012 and is made up of four musicians – two from Zimbabwe and two Italians. The group will be in Botswana for a performance at Botswanacraft on September 12. Zimboita’s marimba player, Blessing Chimanga said they wWere all enthusiastic about Botswana. “We are very excited to be coming to Botswana and this is the first time for Zimboita to perform in Botswana,” he told Showbiz.
The band heads for Zambia this weekend for a number performances around the country. Thereafter, they spend nine days in South Africa before jetting into Botswana for three days. They wind up their Southern Africa tour with an eight-day stay in Tanzania between September 16 and 24.
Chimanga said local music lovers must look forward to new energy coming to the country and ‘definitely a night to remember’.
“Botswana should expect a new show full of energy and diversity in music – from African music to blues music from Italy. It will be a night full of emotions, love, peace and joy,” he said.
Italian Max Covini will be on the drums while Matteo Boldini will play the keyboard with Ronald Mhundwa playing lead guitar.
“This is our first time as a band to Botswana; it’s more special for the other three members of the band as it is their first time,” he said.
Their music is characterised by the use of African traditional instruments from Zimbabwe and Blues music influence from Europe. The quartet uses marimba a Zimbabwean instrument, piano and organ, drums and bass guitar. They are well known for presenting powerful and energetic performances. The band’s music is written in English, Shona and Italian languages. In its two years of existence, the band has travelled to Zimbabwe, South Africa and Italy. They have held concerts and workshops in schools, restaurants, theatres, and graced several festivals. The group has performed at the Ameno Blues festival, Perc festival, Omegna Music festival and Blues House in Italy. They have also made an appearance at the Harare International Festival of the Arts. The group has shared the stage and collaborated with revered musicians from the two countries such as Oliver Mtukudzi, Dudu Manhenga and the Italy duo of Amanda Labanda and Alberto Fortis.
Zimboita was named the best cultural exchange group by the Italian Embassy in 2013. The band recorded their live Demo in June 2013 and is set to release their first album in October 2014. Their Hit song We are Family is currently topping chats in Italy.