- Title: Popular Mozambican band left in limbo as coronavirus halts European tour
- Date: 10th April 2020
- Summary: MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE (RECENT) (REUTERS) MORE OF THE BAND PERFORMING
- Embargoed: 24th April 2020 12:07
- Keywords: COVID-19 Matchume Zango Timbila Muzimba band coronavirus indigenous Chope sound
- Location: MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE
- City: MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE
- Country: Mozambique
- Topics: Arts / Culture / Entertainment,Music
- Reuters ID: LVA008C8WQST3
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: As everyday life continues to be disrupted by the coronavirus outbreak and strict preventive measures taken by the country's government, Mozambique's music scene has been brought to its knees.
Even popular Mozambican band 'Timbila Muzimba', who were preparing to embark on a European tour to launch their long-awaited third studio album, has had their plans placed in limbo because of travel bans.
The band's leader, Matchuma Zange told Reuters that their main income comes from live concerts and tours and with the current crisis, they are uncertain of how they will now earn a living.
"Timbila Muzimba is a band with a lot of music tours and a lot of concerts, with fewer concerts being booked, the band is going to be affected financially and so will rest of the music industry as a whole. The same way airlines are now affected with no passengers is the same way we will be affected as musicians with no physical audiences. The festivals and the government has no money to give, so this will affect the us as the artists," Zange said.
The band's name loosely means 'movement of the body' in their native Chope, and the band is sure to incorporate their traditional moves into every performance.
The group was formed 23 years ago and has never been forced put down their instruments in this way and for this long.
We are finalizing the (new) album 'Djembulane', but at this moment we are on standby, because no one has a clear idea of what's happening. We are in the process of recording the album and our dream is to launch it during the European tour, but because of this ban on travel, we are working only in the studio," said Zange, who founded the group.
Although they are anxious about the future, Zange said the band is in full support of the precautionary measures put in place by governments across the world and believes musicians can also help spread messages on how to curb the spread of the virus.
"Artists can be the communicators through music. They can write compositions about the coronavirus and warn people about how to avoid and how to control it. So, the artist can intervene using music to educate people."
The band was due to perform in Holland, Spain, Germany and Portugal.
Mozambique has 17 confirmed cases and has been under a 31-day lockdown since April 1.
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