The Sunday News
Lance Chigodo
LOCAL tribal house outfit – Djembe Monks have set their eyes on making a permanent impact both locally and internationally, as they have started working on various projects with both local and international artistes.
Currently the tribal house group is working on their third studio project, which promises to have the same Afro-centric composition as that of previous albums.
The group’s percussionist, Emmanuel “Rootz” Nkomo told Sunday Leisure that the group was on a musical testing spree, where they were presently trying out various collaborations and musical genres to spice up their music.
“We have been experimenting on new sounds and we want this project to be largely Afro-centric in its expression of African instruments,” said Rootz.
Djembe Monks have collaborated with local artistes such as Mzoe 7, Africa Revenge and X-Mile who have so far left an indelible mark in the music industry in Bulawayo.
As the group attempts to diversify, Rootz said they were working on broadening their scope in terms of collaborations.
“In this project we are playing more African rhythms by adding more live elements, pama drums and instruments. This will be distinct from famous types of music with over arching digital elements,” he said.
As part of their experimental music projects, the group will soon release a project, which they did with an Italian producer and founder of the Opilec music, Gianluca Pandullo who was enchanted by their music, after listening to one of their tracks on the internet.
Pandullo and Djembe Monks remixed one of the producer’s track – Come to Harm, which will also be released soon.
Rootz expressed gratitude towards their fans, whom he said gave them the zeal to work harder so as to gain international recognition.
“We have not achieved much but we are glad we have created a name for ourselves both locally and internationally. Besides achieving collaboration with an Italian producer we also have a following in Botswana, after we had gigs there in 2012 and also made a guest appearance on Btv FlavaDome,” he said.
Djembe Monks was formed in 2010 and consists of four members Emmanuel “Rootz” Nkomo, Ndumiso Tshuma, Ngqabutho Ncube and Khotso Nare.
Djembe Monks have also performed at various festivals, which include Shoko festival, HIFA and Intwasa Festival.
“We appreciate the support we have been getting and the chances we are given to perform for different audiences.
Such platforms help us to understand our fans and improve on our music. That way we thrive to do better all the time,” said Rootz.
Although the local music industry is not very amusing, Djembe Monks keep their heads high and appreciate those who also appreciate their work.
“We are still trying to make it up to some place and we are just making music to make people happy. It is not easy getting people to love the brand but we are grateful to those who appreciate the sound,” said Nkomo.
