Freshlyground as fresh as ever

Staff Writer | Monday October 4, 2010 00:00

 

The seven-member band, who have won the hearts of many revellers globally with their unique, sensational tunes, which fuse indigenous African sounds and contemporary urban styles such as afro-pop and dance music, did what they are good at.

The band gave a sterling performance blending a number of instruments, which included the flute, violin, mbira, harmonica, saxophone, keyboard, percussion, drums, bass guitar, electric and acoustic guitar, thereby producing harmonious sounds; not forgetting the beautiful angelic voice of lead singer, Zolani Mahola.  

The velvet voice(d) Zolani pulled a sea of people on stage when much hyped songs like Fire Is Low, I’d Like and the famous Doo be Doo were dished out. Revellers also got a chance to taste the group’s latest single, Chicken to Change -a bold challenge to Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe. 

The video, done in collaboration with the satirical Internet show ZA News, is the second for the seven-member band’s album Radio Africa.

In the song, Zolani sings about what a noble “supernova” Mugabe was, but then says that somewhere along the way, he fell. “An iridescent example of honour for the coming generation/ You promised always to open the doors for us/ Indeed it is you and only you who sleeps with the key/ You are chicken to change!” she sings.  

However, the satirical song was showcased to the GICC audience without the hilarious costume inspired by Zimbabwean style in the 1980s as portrayed in the video.

The show, which coincided with Botswana’s 44th Independence anniversary celebrations, featured local heavyweights in the various music genres. 

The opening show; held on Independence eve featured performances by popular Kalanga folk artist Ndingo Johwa whose music is loved and respected by many. 

Jazz muso Tumediso “Shanti-Lo” Loeto - whose stylish performances have also won the hearts of many music lovers - was in the line-up too.

The band signed out by performing the official anthem for the 2010 FIFA World Cup played in South Africa titled Time for Africa; which many fans fondly call Waka Waka.

A collaboration between the band and Colombian superstar, Shakira - the song is featured on Listen Up: The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Album.