Wazimbo at the Lula Lounge, March 8, 2012

A terrific show and performance by Wazimbo, the great Mozambique Marrabenta singer last week. A tremendous voice, and energetic performer, he kept the dance floor going, and also brought out the Mozambique community to celebrate his first Canadian tour. He will be back in the area this summer, hitting some of the festivals. Watch for him… He was backed by some excellent Toronto musicians: Tich Maredza (rhythm guitar) Larry Lewis (lead guitar) Sam Petit (bass) Gordin Mapika (drums) Ruben Esguerra (congas) Thanks to Batuki Music Society for this rare to chance to hear a great artist from Mozambique. Two video … Continue reading

A night of Zimbabwean rhythms: March 3, 2012

Last Saturday night, two excellent Toronto-based Zimbabwean bands played at Placebo Place on Bloor St. (A small, funky artist loft, located above an auto mechanic garage). Nhapitapi Mbira opened, followed by the Tich Maredza Band. For the final set, all 9 musicians played together. The audience had long since given up the cushions on the floor, and everyone was moving to the music. Band members: Nhapitapi Mbira: Mutamba (Moyo) Rainos: vocals, mbira, percussion & dance Memory Makuri: vocals, dance & percussion Evelyn Mukwedeya: mbira & percussion Pasi Gunguwo: vocals, mbira, percussion The Tich Maredza Band: Tichaona Maredza: vocals, guitar Larry … Continue reading

Event updates

Check www.events.to-music.ca for full event listings, including: Apr. 15: Drummer Tony Allen, a giant of Afrobeat at the Phoenix Apr. 15: Okavango: An African Orchestra The second Toronto concert featuring a collection of musicians from 7 distinct African musical traditions. The debut concert at the Glenn Gould Studio in February was sold out; this show, in the Gladstone Hotel Ballroom may add an extra dimension, given their increased familiarity with each other; the more relaxed and informal setting… and the added energy of dancer Saba from Jaivah Nouvel Exposé Apr. 16: Freddie Gwala & Platform One with Tich Maredza Band … Continue reading