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Entertainment Reporter
Top rhumba group Diamond Musica are expected to perform at Jamaica Inn City, some 30km out of Harare, for a gig that has been dubbed “Rhumba Vs Old Skool” tomorrow.
The afternoon gig will see old skool DJs from Huggie’s Entertainment serenading music lovers before Diamond Musica takes over for an all-night party.

The legendary Kudzi “Mr Kool”  Marudza, Witness “Chuman” Matema, Ronald “D-Train” Chiwanza and Dj Candy will be rocking the decks throwing some hot tunes from down the memory lane.

The party continues with riveting dances and music from Diamond Musica who are still basking in the glory of their new album titled “Amai”.

The eight-track album features Orchestra Dendera Kings frontman Suluman Chimbetu on the title track.
“It’s going to be a thriller at Jamaica Inn City. We are raring to go. Rhumba fans and those who love good music should come in their numbers because there is going to be fireworks on stage,” lead vocalist Pitshou Lumiere said.

“Fans will be pleased to know that we have introduced a new dance craze called ‘motorbike’. It is simple to follow but you need to be there to learn it.”

Comprising 15 members including charismatic Pitshou, as he is more popularly known on stage, the group is on a comeback trail having reunited with seasoned producer and lead guitarist Shaka Zulu early this year. About the new album, there are five songs in Shona and three in kiSwahili sung to reconnect with their  origins. All songs on the eight-track album deal with social issues including love, relationships and social cohesion.

Rhumba music took Zimbabwe by storm during the 1990s with a number of artistes from the DRC coming to perform in Harare.
Kanda Bongo Man, Pepe Kalle, Papa Wemba, General Defao, Extra Musica, Werrason and Koffi Olomide were some of the big names in rhumba that performed in Harare. There were few other Zimbabwean rhumba groups that emerged including BV Labien, which has stood the test of time.

So when Diamond Musica came to Zimbabwe they were no strangers as there was already a huge following of rhumba music. However, with the passage of time and change in music tastes, the genre has been on a downward trend due to other several factors including the rise of genres such as South African kwaito/house, Nigerian pop as well as dancehall.

According Pitshou  Jamaica Inn City was more appropriate since such big names like Olomide and Kanda Bongo Man have in past staged gigs at the venue.

Meanwhile, Jah Prayzah will be heading to Chinhoyi’s Jongwe Tavern tonight. Backed by the Third Generation, Jah Prayzah is one of the talented young artistes to emerge in Zimbabwe.