The reunion of 2BG

Standard People
BY SILENCE CHARUMBIRAPopular urban grooves group, 2BG has reunited following the return of its two members from abroad.

Two male members of the group had left the country for greener pastures at the height of the economic meltdown in the country in 2008.The group’s name was coined from its composition — “2B” for two boys (Bloodshaw “Blush” Chikosi and Calvin Mavhunga) and “G” for a girl (Diana Samkange).

Blush has been living in South Africa while Mavhunga had relocated to Malawi.

Samkange last week revealed that the trio is working on a single that will be released before the end of the year.“Blush and Calvin are now back and we have been working on a new single titled Wakudza Rudo which will be released soon,” said Samkange.She said the song was a reflection of developments in their lives.

“We are all married now and I am quite sure some will suggest we rename the group to show the new developments.”She hinted that the group could be rechristened 2FM meaning two fathers and a mother.

2BG was among the pioneers of urban grooves genre and shot to fame with songs like Nguva Yareba, Dhiya, Chiedza and Ndoda Kuvanewe.During the 75% local content policy period on local radio, the group amassed immense popularity.

Blush and Mavhunga confirmed that they were working on a new project as 2BG but both indicated that they would also work on solo projects.Samkange has been doing commendable projects on her own and her recent performances at the Women in Jazz Festival showed that she is fast becoming a mature musician.

The 23-year-old songbird has moved from using back tracks and has assembled a band.The Women in Jazz Festival, which ended last weekend, saw Samkange’s act being one of the most popular among names like Kudzai Sevenzo, Edith Weutonga, Jean Masters and Dudu Manhenga.

Samkange says she will also use a live band in recording.

“For now I am sticking to live instrumentation although sometimes it depends on what the promoter wants and what they can afford.“It will also depend on whether or not I do collaborations with fellow urban groovers who still use digital beats,” she said.

The songstress, who proudly refers to herself as Mai Wandipa, said she will also have surprise collaborations with other prominent local artistes.“I cannot tell you who they are now but all I can say is that it will be a surprise; probably a Christmas gift for all my fans that have stood by me.“I went through tough times and some of my fans abandoned me but for those that have been there for me there will be something special.”

She can now play the mbira which she introduced at the jazz festival, much to the surprise of other fans and other musicians who viewed her as a mere vocalist.