Determined to overcome last year’s disappointment, when they locked themselves in their hotel room to cry after the IRF in Zambia, Club Shanga went on a 3000 km road trip sleeping three nights on a bus to get to this year’s venue.
Club Shanga wanted the title badly. One of their musicians, 25-year-old backing vocalist and percussionist Georgina Mutenda, made sure she was not left behind and took her three-month-old baby, Nicole, with her so that she could play with her group.
Their efforts were rewarded - from the moment they started playing at the Tasuba Theatre, the seven-piece group had the crowd moving to their vibrant music, which the band calls Afro Shangara!
Their contemporary take is strongly influenced by a traditional style of music from their region in the heart of Mashonaland East province (Marondera) of Zimbabwe, called Shangara. The band’s name also derives from this mixture of afrocentric music accompanied with melodious female voices.
On 17th July, after some talented performances from Omafadar Band (Malawi), Twetulobo (Tanzania), Nandov (Mozambique), The Way (Zimbabwe), Lubani (Zambia), Kula Band (Malawi), Lunumba Theatre Group (Tanzania), Afrocentric (Zambia), Tudulos (Mozambique) and Msafiri Zawose (Tanzania), it was sheer joy and tears of happiness this time for Club Shanga when they were announced winners!
The IRF jury, presided by Music Crossroads International Director Dag Franzén, motivated its decision by emphasizing Club Shanga’s “exceptionally strong vocals, beautiful songs, positive force and stage performance”.That same night, when everyone else had left the venue, the band recorded some songs with producer Poney Gross, which will soon be available for listening on the Music Crossroads web page!
The band leader, Trust Matombo, stated that they are aiming high, pursuing their professional careers in music while encouraging youngsters and upcoming musicians to have pride in their own music, values and culture as Africans.
Formed in 2007, Club Shanga consists of Farai Baramasimbe (lead vocals), Georginah Mutenda (backing vocals and percussion), Perseverance Mataranyika (backing vocals and percussion), Trust Matombo (keyboards), Musa Maruva (lead guitar), Vongai Makonde (drums) and Aggabu T.Nyabinde (bass). They are a group of spirited and skilful artists, formed of 2 female and 5 male young musicians.
As part of the IRF prize, following Zambia's Nyali Band (winners of 2009), Club Shanga will be touring Europe during 2011. For more information, or if you would like to book the band for a festival, concert or workshop at a place near you, please contact:
Miguel Carvalho (communications@music-crossroads.net)
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