Fans invited to live recording
UNITY through music drives Durban group Zisamo – and they want Durbanites to join in.
Zisamo is derived from the first two letters of Zimbabwe, South Africa and Mozambique.
They want Durbanites to be part of the live recording of their demo recording.
Band manager Gina Corrigan said Zisamo would record live at the Jazzy Rainbow in Morningside on February 25 and, in true Zisamo style, want to unite people in the recording.
The band members are Morgan Mchunu on rhythm guitar and vocals, Manuel Masinga on lead guitar and vocals, Magiza Shange on bass guitar, Thabani Luthuli on drums and Princess Dube on vocals and percussions.
Masinga adds to the musical mix by making a trumpet sound using his hands and mouth.
Mchunu works as a marine surveyor, Dube is originally from Zimbabwe, Shange works as a driver at a school and Masinga is originally from Mozambique and works as a handyman and gardener, while Luthuli is a chef at Umqhele Crown High School.
Mchunu said they tried to appeal to a wide audience and kept their music versatile.
“Our music ranges from reggae to Latino, then add some Brazilian jazz, Spanish, the blues, Afro pop, jazz and soul, and we also play mbira music. We don’t stick to any particular genre and we would like to continue to try and unite our continent.
“We also write and perform original songs,” said Mchunu.
The group originated in Claremont four years ago, when Mchunu, Luthuli and Dube would meet at a local kiosk.
Masinga and Shange joined the band at a later stage.
Not long after they came together, the group won the category of Best Afro Jazz Group in a local music competition, and the prize was a year’s paying contract to play at Wahooz, at uShaka Marine World.
They have performed at charity fund-raisers, concerts and live music venues.
Corrigan said that when she saw Zisamo perform, it was love at first sight.
“I have been following them ever since. I have never been to a performance of theirs where the people didn’t love and adore them. We became great friends, and then Princess and Morgan asked me to represent them as their manager. It is very difficult to promote a band without a demo CD.
“You can tell people they are amazing, but at the end of the day people want to hear what they sound like. This is why we have decided to do this live recording.
“Gordan Jackson, of Kingston Sound, a well-known musician and very talented sound engineer, will do the recording and mixing of the CD. Our mission is to unite Africa so that one day Africa will come together as one, and we all say no to xenophobia,” Corrigan said.
The live demo CD recording will take place at the Jazzy Rainbow (93 Smiso Nkwanyana, ex Goble Road) on February 25 at 8pm for 8.30pm. Tickets cost R80 each at the door, including a free drink.