Flame burns for Mushonga and Zimfellas

Dutch-Zimbabwean singer songwriter, Mushonga, returned to Zimbabwe late 2008 for two reasons: to explore and connect with her musical heritage, and to further immerse herself in the Zimbabwean cultural scene. What she found was a group of talented young musicians in Mutare, carving their own niche in the local scene and equally searching for new musical horizons.

Fusing together their different musical experiences, Rinas residing mainly in folk pop and the Zimfellas cool brand of traditional Zimbabwean music, they have managed to find common ground and create an altogether vibrant new sound. Their quest to collectively write catchy, sensitive and relevant music reflecting the worlds they come from, and indeed the future they hope for, has been greatly successful. They have produced music that delights in the beauty and strength of Zimbabwe as well as seeking to put traditional music in a new jacket.

Rina Mushonga sticks very much to her folk-pop sensibilities, continuing the trend of her soulful love songs of heart ache and loss, whilst simultaneously injecting her music with a new spirit. The resounding harmonies of Zimfella vocals, pounding beat of the Jembe and Ngoma and the rhythmic, melodic swell of the Mbira, sincere lyricism and heady chord progressions all fuse together for a fresh musical experience that transcends borders and rushes right into the heart of its intended audience.

Pamberi Trust senior project officer Penny Yon said: It is always a pleasure to welcome a daughter of Zimbabwe home, and it has been a special pleasure to welcome Rina to the Harare stage, and into the FLAME project. Hers is a new sound, different, challenging, and she has struck a wonderful common ground with the Zimfellas something to be seen and heard, definitely not to be missed!”