Mokoomba was born at the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, where the Zambezi River meets the legendary Victoria Falls.

Raised within the Tonga people’s culture, the six band’s musicians fed themselves with all those influences to create a unique musical world.

Guided by the exceptional voice of the singer and percussionist Mathias Muzaza, Mokoomba spread its dancing and communicative afro-fusion with an outstanding energy.

Mokoomba lives, breathes and literally explodes on stage.

In 2008, Mokoomba won the Southern-Africa Music Crossroads festival which gathers the best young bands of Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

By entrusting the Ivorian bassist-singer-producer Manou Gallo, the artistic production of its CD, Mokoomba found the perfect match to its evolution.

A collaboration and a dialogue between Africans open to the world but also aware of the richness of their traditions.

“Rising Tide”, it’s 12 songs for a surprising and explosive musical travel through Southern Africa.

CD musical producer: Manou Gallo 

The Ivorian bassist and composer Manou Gallo, former member of the legendary group Zap Mama, is the musical producer of the album ‘Rising Tide’.

When Manou was born, her grant grand-mother, bound to die shortly after, promised her: “I give you the world”. Since that time, Manou Gallo goes her own way.

The small girl of DIVO was shocking the village people when she played the traditional drums, today she is the woman with a Drum.

After being a singer, bass player (Woya/Zap Mama/Tambours de Brazza), percussion player and dancer, Manou Gallo turned into a brilliant band leader. The stage is like her second home and she pays a lot of attention to her live performance. She brings African music in a very inventive and modern way. For the music, she has been inspired by the Djiboi (people of the Ivory Coast Manou's homeland), but also by her current western musical culture. The combination of soul, funk and blues is within the concept of groove a common denominator. World hot music full of emotion and sensitivities expressed in various languages (Dida, French and English).

Manou have recorded 3 CD’s : DIDA (2002), MANOU GALLO (2006) and LOWLIN (2010).

In october 2009 , Manou Gallo was nominated by the MAMA Awards 2009 (MTV Africa) as the “best performing artist of Ivory Coast 2009”.

Manou has given over 500 concerts all around the world.

MOKOOMBA: Straight out of Zimbabwe

A rollercoaster ride of raw Afrofusion energy!

MOKOOMBA brings audiences an electrifying blend of Afro-fusion and tantalizing traditional Tonga rhythms. The name MOKOOMBA stems from the deep respect that the Tonga people have for the Zambezi River and for the vibrant life that it brings to their music and culture. This exciting Tonga group from Zimbabwe certainly has a unique sound that is set to take the world music scene by storm! 

The group was formed in 2001 and has today become a household name in Victoria Falls and have a growing fan base in Zimbabwe.  MOKOOMBA’s road to fame began when they won the Music Crossroads InterRegional Festival (IRF) in Lilongwe (Malawi). The IRF jury members chose due to their great potential, strong musical material, the excellent lead and backing vocals backed by a tight, strumming groove. MOKOOMBA was awarded the Music Crossroads first prize : their first CD (6 titles) and a European tour in summer 2009 – alongside a yearlong training program led by international music industry professionals to prepare the band members for the long road ahead.

Mokoomba created a real buzz during their first European tour in 2009. During this tour they also got together with the famous Dutch DJ Gregor Salto, known for his funky sets with a lot Soul, Latin, Jazz, Disco and Afro flavoured House for the “Stand Up Take Action – End Poverty Campaign” in 2009 of Africa Unsigned where they recorded the track « Messe Messe » and several remixes.

After that tour, Zig Zag World felt in love with Mokoomba since the beginning, decided to take them in its international agency, next to artists such as the greatest master of djembe, Mamady Keita, the Ivorian bass player Manou Gallo.

Mokoomba came back in Europe in 2010 for a tour where they did prestigious stages all over Europe, they were the opening act for the Cranberries at the Colors Festival in Ostrava (Czech Rep.), Couleur Café festival in Brussels (Belgium), Meyouzik festival (Luxembourg), Pirineos Sur festival (Spain), Afrikafestival in Hertme (The Netherlands), Etnomusic festival (San Marino – Italy), City of Luxemburg festival, …

During 2010 and 2011, they recorded their 2nd CD « Rising tide » produced by the great Ivorian bass player & singer Manou Gallo. A meeting around African music in evolution with boiling energies !
The CD was released in spring 2012. They were back for a 3 months tour in Europe in summer 2012, then presented to world music professionals at Womex 12) Showcase in Thessaloniki, and toured the world again in 2013.

Mokoomba is a rollercoaster ride of raw Afrofusion energy!!

Band members: 

Trustworth Samende : electric, nylon & mute guitars & backing vocals

Miti Mugande : percussions & backing vocals

Ndaba Coster Moyo : drums, backing vocals
& beat box

Donald Moyo : keyboards, backing vocals
& beat box

Mathias Muzaza : lead vocals, backing vocals & percussions


Abundance Mutori : bass & backing vocals