Reggae Delight: Mathias Julius in Grand Homecoming Show with Mannex
Book Cafe, Saturday December 15, 8pm
Superstar reggae artists Matthias Julius and Mannex will perform together in a spectacular reggae and dancehall showdown on December 15, at 8pm at The Book Cafe. The Book Cafe warmly welcomes Mathias “Matty” Julius back to Zimbabwe where he will perform an electric collaboration with fellow reggae star Mannex Motsi. Matthias Julius has just returned to Zimbabwe after 7 months in the UK and is ready to show his fans some love at one of Harare's most exciting live music venues. Both reggae maestros are working hard on a collaborative show that is sure to bring the house down!
Mannex Motsi is well-known as the lead singer of legendary reggae outfit Transit Crew. After three years as the front man, Mannex branched out on his own and now fronts his own band, Mannex and Mo Familee. Since then he has released two albums. The first, “Rwendo”, which spawned the hits Munhu Mutema, Vavengi and Tine Tsamba. Most recently, Mannex's second album, “Mo Love” is bubbling with the tracks Mwari Ndewe Munhu Wese and Vanotamba Mapepa which have received constant airplay. The smooth crooner is in demand and will perform this Saturday fresh off a one-of-a-kind acoustic show at Alliance Francaise last week. Of that show Mannex says, “It was an amazing show, and the people who were there really enjoyed it”.
Saturday night's performance at the Book Cafe is in part a celebration of Mathias Julius' return to Zimbabwe. Matthias Julius is a former dancer for contemporary dance troupe, Tumbuka. In recent years, Julius has focused on his musical career, releasing two albums: “Here I Come” in 2009 and “Don't Look Back” in 2011. Popular tracks I Miss You and Twenty ten (with fellow musician Oliver Mtukudzi), have won him a loyal and enthusiastic following in Zimbabwe and the UK where he has spent the past year.
Julius performs with his band X-Vybes and sings what he calls “Reggae with a Zimbabwean voice”. He is currently recording his new album and he will perform some songs from it in Zimbabwe for the first time on Saturday night. Julius has been very successful in the UK, most notably performing with Oliver Mtukudzi in the UK this past August.
Julius released the upbeat track Pahushamwari Hwedu earlier this year, featuring Mannex and 8 other dance hall artists. Mannex says of Julius, “We have performed together before. On Saturday we will perform this track and we will invite all the artists who collaborated on the track onstage”. These include, Lady Thanda, Mary Mo, J. Farai, Chaza, Lady Squanda, Cello Culture and Kalabash. To his fans Julius says, “I'm back, I haven't changed, I'm still the same person. I am still singing the same songs, plus some new ones!”
Saturday night's show promises to be an exciting musical display by passionate reggae enthusiasts at The Book Cafe. Experience Mannex and Mo Familee in a fresh collaboration with Mathias Julius and X-Vybz, including a whole host of reggae and dancehall artists. Do not miss it!
Tsvete (Book Cafe, December 15, 2pm)
Earlier on in the day, Book Cafe will showcase the young, but extremely talented band, Tsvete on December 15 at 2pm. A phenomenal new talent, Tsvete is a band that's going places. They are a polished, professional outfit and their performance is an unforgettable experience.
Based in Norton, Tsvete have been nurtured at Oliver Mtukudzi's music academy, Pakare Paye. They cite him as a mentor and indeed their music is very much influenced by the legendary musician. The band was founded by Admire Maponde, Ashton Nyahora and Kondwani Thete at Pakare Paye Arts Center. They are a 7-piece band whose sound is African fusion. Tsvete have opened for Oliver Mtukudzi, were part of the Masanga Book Musical Theatre and have also performed at Book Cafe as part of a showcase of Pakare Paye artists. In Norton, they regularly perform at the Pakare Paye Arts Centre.
This exciting new band has become an audience favourite and a highlight of Book Cafe's weekly “Open Mic” nights and they will without a doubt, lift your feet with their infectious rhythms. Book Cafe audiences can expect a strong mix of reggae, Afro-pop and traditional music as Tsvete serve up a mosaic of musical experiences.
Come experience Afro-fusion beats with Tsvete, and stay for the explosive reggae party with Mannex and Mathias Julius! The Book Cafe has a mouth-watering home style cooked menu, including choice meat cuts prepared fresh on the braai in its 'Gochi-Gochi' Garden outside. With two bars and friendly, efficient service, come and enjoy wonderful music at Harare's premiere live music venue!
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Prepared by Tawanda Mudzonga (Miss)
for Pamberi Trust |
