The Sunday News
Mbongeni Msimanga Sunday Leisure Correspondent
BULAWAYO has been known to produce music icons that have gone on to conquer Zimbabwe’s music industry and in some instances the world. Names such as Dudu Manhenga, Lovemore Majaivana, and Dorothy ‘‘Aunty Dot’’ Masuka are in their own right legends and rank among the best musicians to emerge from the Zimbabwean music industry.
Not only did these musicians have a common origin — Bulawayo — but also have a common trait, which is Afro jazz music.
These legendary musicians, despite being great, have however, left a void in the industry, which many have found a tall order to fill.
However, a little known contemporary Jazz outfit, The Roots Band, has since risen seeking to fill that void and judging by their performances so far, the group is on their way to stardom.
Although their performances have so far been limited to Bulawayo, the band was an opening act for one of South Africa’s music giants, Ringo Madlingozi in January this year.
In an interview, band member Sidney Mutsinze said their music was a fusion of contemporary songs and modern vibes, hence the name The Roots.
Since its inception, the band has performed at the Ibumba Festival of Arts, Ideas Festival and the Live and Fluid Concert.
“Our music is mainly drawn from all Zimbabwean cultures, hence our name The Roots. We have not done much in terms of performances in Bulawayo because the entertainment industry is not vibrant. But we have so far performed at the Ibumba Festival of Arts, Ideas Festival and The Live and Fluid Concert that is set to be held every month,” said Mutsinze.
The band, however, has taken a sizeable number of people down memory lane, as they have performed songs that resonate with Zimbabwean culture.
With a combination of mbira songs, percussionist and two lead voices in the form of Ashley and DeLukes piercing people’s hearts, the group has also added a voice to the city’s Jazz platform.
“We are still capturing an audience, but I can say so far we have added a voice in the Jazz music industry. Our music resonates with the Zimbabwean culture and we are also multi-lingual and cater for all audiences,” said Mutsinze.
So far, with no album in hand the group has managed to make an impact and draw an audience that gets on their feet and sing their songs when they perform.
“We have no album so far, but we have managed to stage most of our performances at Cape to Cairo. From our performances so far I can say we have managed to draw a sizeable number of fans,” said Mutsinze.
The five-member band is made up of Bruce Ncube (percussionist), Erastus Mleya (drummer and vocalist), Sidney Mutsinze (Bassist), Samuel Mabhena (keyboard player), Luke ‘‘DeLukes’’ Kamhanga and Ashley Manyangaidze who are lead vocalists.
