Cute Tendai
The inaugural Yorira Ngoma Live Music Event extravaganza got to a flying start at the ‘urbane and chic’ Mama Jumbe’s music spot in Forest Gate, East London. The sell-out gig drew a partisan crowd of all ilk, all united by the sweet African music wafting through the night.
Cute Tendai, backed by a solo guitarist, got things going with a well-received set. Introducing herself to a new crowd, she gave a good account of herself with a jazzy and soul tinged repertoire. I am pretty sure her Youtube hits of her single ‘Beautiful Day’ increased significantly on the back of her strong performance. She showcased raw talent and some sophistication in her delivery. Her smokey looks and brash style had the audience captivated. Cute Tendai is definitely one for the future and the fact that she was able to reach that type of audience in essence typified what Yorira Ngoma Live Music Event is all about.
Viv Maravanyika
As the crowd was getting ready to feast their eyes on the next act on the cards, Dj Viv Maravanyika was on hand to keep the already warmed revellers going with some nice Afro tunes.
Now, Mathias “Matty” Julius has been regarded for the past two years as the best kept secret in terms of being the hottest and sweetest vocalist to come out of Zimbabwe. And the reggae singer was in a mood to show why his stock is rising with every single performance. It’s no exaggeration to state that wherever he has showcased his amazing vocal abilities, he has left the punters bewildered with his perfect and to-the-point showmanship. And for Yorira Ngoma Live Music Event concert, he delivered. Period! He drew from his three albums he has released so far, to send the captivated crowd into a frenzy. His blockbuster reggae biographical tune, ‘Weku Tafara’, went down a storm and had to be “wheeled” three times in a row. And Adele’s Someone Like You had Mathias hitting those high notes like a true superstar.
Mathias “matty’ Julius
After a 90-minute performance by Matty, it was time to take another different direction but still pointed towards Africa. Cued Heritage Survival fronted by the inimitable Zee Guveya. By then the capacity crowd was ready to be taken to the dark and edgy world of mbira music with Tendai Bhasvi on the Mbira-‘thumb piano’. Once Paul Kuzinya on drums started the rolls, there was no going back. Rural Zimbabwe bira was brought to the East End as the boys spirited us to the mystical world of Afro fusion. Nothing beats a band on song and unison to one aim and one beat.
Zee Guveya
As they ran through their own compositions, Heritage Survival went through the Chimurenga guru, Thomas Mapfumo’s treasure trove. Norman Muza started hitting those Chimurenga bass riffs and the party had truly started. Showing their versatility they also passed through Oliver Mtukudzi’s musical garden and picked a few classical tunes.
As the night drew to an end, it was clear that Yorira Ngoma Live Music Event would certainly be a permanent feature on the music calendar in the United Kingdom for those purveyors who appreciate good music and a quality event. For this reason, a repeat of such talent will be showcased on the 1st of February 2013. Yorira Ngoma Live Music Event promises more of this and different acts, Please watch this space.
This night was made a success by these sponors;
CHAKACHAYA!!!
yorirangoma 