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Brenda phiri Entertainment Reporter
Afro-fusion duo Mafriq made up of Pauline Gundidza and Lovedale “Discord” Makalanga is back in business with the release of their new single entitled “Kende Kende”
The song that is taken off their upcoming album set for release by end of this year breaks a two year musical break from the Harare-based artistes.
Speaking on the single, Discord said the song was a taste of good things to come.
“The song has not yet been launched although we have made radio releases. ‘Kende Kende’ is street lingo for kusakendenga (not being bothered) even when situations are not favourable. We wrote the song together with Pauline and is more of a social commentary on relationships of today. We are excited about it as we had been focusing on personal projects over the past two years,” he said

The song is different from other Mafriq productions with the duo experimenting with jiti, a move that is aimed at giving their music a Zimbabwean Identity.
Mafriq is short of founding member Tunga T, who broke off to pursue a career in fashion designing and gospel music. The 31-year-old designer might, however, feature on the next album. “Our album is going to feature a number of artistes among them Roki. We approached Tunga T and he agreed to write a song for us and who knows, you might see us collaborating. He is still part of us,” he said.

He added that there had been an evolution of their sound that has seen them experimenting in their music.
Pauline is currently mastering the mbira instrument while Discord is playing the guitar

“We want to sell our music beyond our borders so we took a leaf from other regional artistes from countries like Nigeria and South Africa. Like them we have incorporated our traditional instruments with the contemporary sound to give the music an international feel,” he said

Over the years, Mafriq has made waves with their two albums that had chat topping hits like “Ndizvo Chete”, “Chizevezeve”, “Shungu Dze Moyo” among others.
With their new music, Mafriq is working on regaining their status as one of the country’s top musical group.