By Tawanda Mudzonga
Published March 23, 2013
The Book Cafe in Harare, Zimbabwe, presents talented rising stars Dimitri & The Scarecrow and Bulawayo-based collective, The Djembe Monks, at its monthly showcase of exciting, dynamic new music acts on the verge of breaking through into the mainstream, Music Factory, on Saturday, March 23, 2013. The Djembe Monks perform at 3pm followed by popular R n B singer Goodchild at 5:30pm and the incomparable Alexio Kawara at 8.00pm.
Music Factory is The Book Cafe’s monthly showcase of Zimbabwe’s hottest, ground-breaking music talent, a not-to-be-missed opportunity to hear tomorrow’s superstars light up the stage. An important platform initiated by Pamberi Trust, Music Factory at The Book Cafe shines the spotlight on dynamic performers who are a cut above the rest.
Dimitri & The Scarecrow, a band that has exploded on the live music scene with a fresh, electrifying blend of hip-hop, rock, jazz and alternative music, was formed in 2012 after numerous Open-Mic collaborations at The Book Cafe; the six-piece band has created a lot of buzz with their unique style and funky rhythms.Bandleader Dimitri’s hard-hitting lyrical raps about social inequality and global politics combined with hip-hop/rock beats, create a fiery nexus of passion and ingenuity.This exciting new band is also set to release its first album, Scarecrow, The EP, during its Saturday performance.
The phenomenal Djembe Monks are a tribal-house band who have pioneered an unusual fusion of dance and traditional music. ‘Known for their enthralling blend of house music and live percussion, The Djembe Monks are a fresh, unusual concept that has taken Bulawayo by storm.’ Their first album, Deep Love and Drums, released in December 2012, has received regular airplay and their single, Ngoma Yorira, is rising up the charts.
Consisting of two DJs and two percussionists, The Djembe Monks combine traditional house music with live percussion on djembe, congas, timbales, cow bells and shakers to create a truly original and distinctive sound.
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Goodchild starts off the evening entertainment with an exciting solo set. Singer and songwriter Goodchild has been in the music business since 2003, delighting music fans with hits such as Iwe Fadzai. As one of the early, stand-out urban groove performers, he has matured as an artist and recently graduated to performing with a live band.
Possessing a natural stage presence, Goodchild’s charismatic delivery of heartfelt and earnest songs about life and love, has amassed him a large fan base.
The R n B star has shared the stage with stars such as Roki, Maskiri, Diana Samkange and Leonard Mapfumo and stand-out performances include the 2005 Youth Freedom Hangout Bash and the Silver Jubilee Gala.
Rounding up the line-up is Alexio Kawara, without a doubt one of Harare’s top afro-pop artists.
A popular and regular performer at the Book Cafe, Kawara’s shows combine his talent as a singer-songwriter, energetic dance moves and irresistible songs in a show that will keep you dancing all night long. His professional delivery, expressive lyrics and smooth vocals have won him many fans.
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Alexio Kawara is well-known for his hit-songs Shaina, Karwiyo Aka and Musikana Akanaka. His latest album, Tose, was released in 2011 and has cemented his reputation as an exciting, innovative artist who is on track to becoming one of the legends of Zimbabwean music. Audiences can expect a wonderful mix of musical styles and rhythms performed by his veteran band, Shades of Black.
