15.10. SATURDAY 23:00 // CAFe TENT, MÜPA BUDAPEST
Monoswezi couples Scandinavian jazz with East-African music. Radiant Hope Masike from Zimbabwe provides much of the band’s drive, they often compose through exploring traditional pieces Masike presents. Soft melodies on a solid bed of percussion characterize Monoswezi: a relaxed, playful and genuine meeting of North and South. One of the few female mbira players (a state about to change), Masike stands out, but his musical partners from MOzambique, NOrway, SWEden and ZImbabwe are vital to balance the music, add a jazzy layer, and deliver the band’s universal message.
Monoswezi brought a combination of Nordic cool and warm traditional tones to Ritmo’s Tent Stage. Hope Masike (vocals, mbira), Calu Tsemane (vocals, percussion) accompanied by Hallvard Godal on Saxophone, Putte Johander on bass and Erik Nylander on drums took the crowd on a resonant journey. Calming mbira and clear brass, radiant Masike and Tsemane’s relaxed jamming brought home the band’s message: the world is one.
