Chimanga makes waves in Turkey Blessing Chimanga (second from left, foreground) flanked by his band members in Turkey
Blessing Chimanga (second from left, foreground) flanked by his band members in Turkey

Blessing Chimanga (second from left, foreground) flanked by his band members in Turkey

Sophia Chese Arts Corespondent
Zimbabwean drummer Blessing “Bled” Chimanga, who has joined 22 other artistes from South Africa, Tanzania and Ethiopia on the Cirque Mother Africa Tour 2015 in Turkey, says the reception of local music in that country is overwhelming.

Chimanga was promoted to band leader and musician consultant, a post which allowed him to bring more Zimbabwean talent to the band this year. The other artistes who have joined him on the tour are Ronald Mhundwa on bass guitar, Frank Mavhimira on lead guitar, Raymond Mupfumira on keyboards, Tinashe Mukarati on saxophone, Othnell Mangoma Moyo on percussion and Zimboita’s Max Covini on drums.

The tour is four months long and they have been performing since May 1 in Antalya, Turkey, for two months now. In an interview with The Herald Entertainment, Blessing Chimanga said they are overwhelmed that Zimbabwean music is being well received and people from Turkey are appreciating it.

“We are halfway into our Mother Africa tour in Antalya, Turkey, and so far so good. Our show is being received well with the different audiences we are performing for. We are performing in 10 hotels with an average crowd of 200 guests a night who attend our shows. Chimanga highlighted that the tour has given them exposure and they are learning a lot from other artistes from different countries.

“We are learning a lot and we are improving even as individual artistes. Since it’s a tour we are all working hard to be better musicians and also building sustainable structures for our industry. We miss home but we are so grateful for this opportunity,” he said.

Chimanga, who is representing Zimbabwe for the second time at the Cirque Mother Africa Tour, first worked with the circus group on a Swedish cruise ship in 2013 as a drummer. The circus group is well known across the globe for its breathtaking shows that includes acrobats, dancers, singers, musicians and circus acts. The group has been successful and is fast growing. It has employed over 100 young artistes from Africa.

It is not just a traditional African show which incorporates the modern, fresh and dynamic culture of the new Africa. Musicians and artistes articulate their passion and love for their homeland during the show. It also presents a platform for them to market their creative brands and access new audiences.

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