What a started as a simple idea of a group of colleagues of similar 
ilk and interests has seen the birth of Yorira Ngoma & Let’s Dance To The Music, a feast that sees a musical explosion of varied genres and artists mainly from Zimbabwe. And the movement is picking up pace with the inaugural concert set at the glitzy Mama Jumbe’s Bar in East London on November 9. Headlining on the night is Zee Guveya and the Heritage Survival Band. Guveya fronts the exceptionally talented traditional rhythm exponents hailing from Harare. Popularly known as Zee, the versatile guitarist has developed his own brand of Afro-fusion drawing from his wealth of experience having worked for a number of years with the Chimurenga guru Thomas Mapfumo’s Blacks Unlimited. To this very day Mapfumo calls on Zee to add his inimitable licking of the rhythm guitar on live shows. His early stint with Mapfumo saw him record five albums and touring Africa, Europe and North America.
Adding a different dimension in terms of Yorira Ngoma’s live event repertoire on the night will be Mathias “Matty” Julius, a reggae singer hailing from Zimbabwe. Those who have witnessed the locks man in action will bear testimony to a star on the ascendancy. His sweet vocals have often been compared to the likes of Jah Cure in terms of how his melodious range is. Matty has three albums under his fledgling career. To date the highlight of his career was recording a duet with Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi in a composition in memory of Tuku’s son who perished in a car accident a few years ago. For Mtukudzi to allow him to work on something that’s so personal and deep bears testimony to Matty’s proficiency behind the mic. Matty who performs many a times in Zimbabwe, while based in London, to keep himself relevant has almost been a big secret on the UK music scene among never mind the Zimbabwean community, but Africans at large. His set at Mama Jumbe’s is not one to miss.
Also making her debut at the event is Chrishawna a music diva eager to showcase her natural singing ability. Chrishawna, who has developed her own cult following through the social media circles, has been performing around London at various events. Her singing style has seen her drawing comparisons to R&B lady artists of the 90′s like Monifah.
Born in Malawi, Dan Lu’s music career spans over 11 years. Lu will add another musical sphere to Yorira Ngoma in making it a regional event. Described as an Afro-pop artist by Malawi’s Nyimbo magazine, Dan’s fan base is estimated, by the Daily Times, a national tabloid, to be at 1.1 million in a country of a population of 13 million.
Dan Lu, who has over 40 000 followers on face book, has four albums to his title. He has over 40 songs playing in radio stations in his country, and over 15 videos on television stations.
Dan Lu has worked with the top most band in Malawi, Zembani music company where he was band leader before founding his own band, Rockers band, which has been making headlines for the past two years.
An award winner of the 2011 Best Afro pop music that was organized by Malawi Music Awards, Dan Lu has collaborated with other African artists including The third, K-Millan both from Zambia, Nameless from Kenya, Dizzy Don from Zimbabwe and Tay Grin from Malawi, and Bongani, the late Brenda Fassie’s son from South Africa. Dan Lu has also worked with the Award winning Zambian producer Ben Blezer and Malawi’s top urban producer Taps Bandawe.
Dan Lu, whose anthemic hit song, ‘part of life’ was a subject at one of Malawi president’s rallies, plays keyboards and has experience in studio arrangement.
Taking care of the decks at Yorira Ngima’s 9th of Novemer live music event at Mamha Jumbe’s is Dj Viv Maravanyika.
World Cargo International, Pamtengo Radio, Mama Jumbe’s, Look Fab 4 Less, Afrique Downloads, Zimbabwe Entertainment and Diaspora Funeral Cash Plan sponsor the music extravaganza. World Cargo International who guarantees fast, efficient and reliable service to Africa, America, Europe Asia and the Caribbean in freight forwarding and shipping services. Pamtengo Radio who provides the news, shared knowledge and cultural perspective that connect and reflect our vibrant and diverse communities, while Mama Jumbe’s offers a cornucopia of culture where you can imbibe fashion, the arts, music and cuisine in all its African richness. Mama Jumbe’s offer the ultimate experience in African charm, a dine, drink & dance affair. Look Fab 4 Less is all about creating a fabulous look for less, an online boutique based in the UK offering international delivery service internationally delivery service which includes USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, United Arab Emirates and Europe. Afrique downloads, an online store to be launched soon for downloadable local music, videos, ebooks and more for Zimbabwe locals. Zimbabwe Entertainment, a Channel that is a source for entertainment news, celebrity events & pictures. Get the latest interviews, fashion trends, music & movies. Last but not least is ‘Diaspora Funeral Cash Plan’ who guarantees every Zimbabwean including those in Zimbabwe a dignified send off to all who have a funeral policy with them.
According to Zororo Mubaya the Production Manager and Tomson Chauke the Production Coordinator, Yorira Ngoma & Let’s Dance To The Music will be an every other month event. And plans are afoot to take the event nationally.
Please watch; http://youtu.be/Fkof8Y8sr6s
For more info about Yorira Ngoma Live Music Event please visit www.yorirangoma.wordpress.com.