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| PIED PIPERS RETURN |
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| News - The Mannenberg |
| Wednesday, 04 November 2009 10:54 |
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By public demand The Mannenberg, Fife Ave /6th Street Saturday 7 November 2009 10pm, cover charge On Saturday 7 November 2009 The Mannenberg welcomes the return of THE PIED PIPERS, a legendary band of musicians who have been keeping audiences entertained for the best part of 36 years, in and around Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare. Describing their music as a colourful mix of afrojazz, jit and traditional sounds, the band have played all over the city, and in all corners of the country, reaching out to the region since the 80s, including Mozambique, Botswana, and South Africa, and more recently, Zambia. Over the years The Pied Pipers have become an institution, through which have passed many of Zimbabwe’s popular artists. The group today still features of some of its original members: Charles Areketa (keyb), Moses Mullah (bass), James Manyungwa (drums) and James Stevens (guitar). In the early 2000s they suffered like all other bands against the ravages of inflation and the consequences of the depressed economy, but bounced back in 2007 to resume their place as veterans of the local music scene. There is no particular songwriter among them, but each song is a collaboration worked on by all the musicians. Their strength, they say, is good band relations and ‘understanding each other’, a strength which has reinforced their successful songwriting formula – one which has given birth to 5 albums and some timeless classics which have stood the test of time, and still receive good airplay on national radio. ‘Simukai’, ‘Pafunge’, ‘Country Boy’, are some favourites, and others have been accorded the highest compliment by being revamped by other artists - the famous and ever-popular ‘Ruvarangu’ which has been recorded by one of Zimbabwe’s top jazz groups, Jazz Invitation; and ‘Reggae Sounds of Africa’ which was redone by South African artist Steve Kekana. In 2009 they are working on a new album ‘Nafira mudanda’, due out by year end, and their vision is to reach out beyond the borders of Zimbabwe and Africa, and into the world. The Pied Pipers have faced many challenges on the rocky road of music, and are now stepping up to the challenge of new technology and internet advertising. The Pamberi Trust Arts Factory project is assisting the band to get with the programme and claim their space on the internet. The Saturday 7 November show at The Mannenberg is a celebration of The Pied Pipers long music road, their endurance, stability, and their ability to keep the good music flowing from decade to decade. - Pamberi Trust |