Like William Shakespeare said, music has the charms to soothe a savage heart and when you want the perfect ambience and feel for your event or milestone celebrations, a good choice of band or music will do the magic.
The same can be said for highly sought-after performing group 911 Band Zimbabwe comprising six talented members namely Taona Tiakudze (TK), Matthew Mabengo (Migobass), Tinaishe Mugari (Hotsticks), Peniel Kariteni (Pennystrings), Clemence Shirichena (Cleanbird), and Tanatswa Yotama.
The band has captured hearts with their unique sound and vibrant performances and they have become a permanent feature at many corporate events as well as other private and top-tier celebrations.
Speaking to Standard Style, band member Matthew “Migobass” Mabengo said they are full-scale professional music outfit here to make a lasting impression both on the local and international scene.
“We are all full-scale music group poised to make waves in both the local and international music scenes after mastering industry dynamics since going professional,”he said.
Starting wasn’t easy but our tenacity and clarity of intent has carried us this far and we are grateful to all our fans, music stakeholders and partners for the support. We are duty bound to continue entertaining them through quality music and performances.”
As a fully registered professional entity operating in line with industry benchmarks, 911 Band has entertained at various events, including private functions, corporate gatherings, and advocacy events for NGOs.
Their dynamic performances have captivated audiences, leading to a growing fan base that appreciates their artistry and dedication.
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Mabengo said consistency was one of their key values at the band and while the industry has its challenges they won’t be stopping or slowing down until they become respected Zimbabwean music ambassadors on a global scale.
“What we have seen is that, locals love and respect good music and once you exert yourselves well in your craft you gain their confidence and affection,”he said.
“911 Band Zimbabwe has received amazing affection since our days in Gweru until we made the switch to Harare and we are happy that we have continued to entertain around Zimbabwe with some of our popular musical performance hangouts in Bulawayo.”
Mabengo’s sentiments were echoed by the band’s lead vocalist Tiakudze, who said they have continued to scale new heights since their Chibuku Road to Fame success in 2023 and they have continued to invest in their shared music dream.
“In 2023, we gained significant recognition by winning the Chibuku Road to Fame competition, taking home the prize money US$15 000 after an arduous competition, which started at provincial level through to the nationals,” Tiakudze said.
“After that milestone, we strategically reinvested this prize money into our craft, acquiring a state-of-the-art tour bus and high-quality musical instruments, ensuring that our sound meets international standards.
“We are big on quality and we are continuously reinventing and reinvigorating our sound so that we become a force to reckon with.”
An avid music composer, Tiakudze said beyond playing covers by both local and international music outfits, they are happy to have mastered the art of compositions and they feel ready to unleash their own compositions.
“Over the years, we have mastered the art of composing songs and stage performance, creating numerous tracks designed to make a lasting impression on both local and international audiences,” he said.
“Yes people love our cover performances because they ensure we cater for the different tastes at different venues, but we are happy to have developed a unique and must have catalogue of our own which is now ready for the market. All music lovers must brace for the best from the band.”
Reflecting on their journey, Tiakudze said their success has been fuelled by hard work and professionalism.
“Our growth as a group has been fuelled by our professionalism and hard work. We’ve learned to respect each other’s strengths and commit fully to our craft and that has helped us carve an indelible niche on the local music scene,” he said.
“Since moving from Gweru to Harare, the epicentre of musical growth in Zimbabwe, we haven’t looked back.
“The energy here is infectious, and it has pushed us to elevate our sound. Mutual respect among us has been key.
“We support each other’s creative visions, and that synergy is what makes our music resonate with fans.”
As they continue to establish themselves in the music scene, 911 Band remains focused on delivering high-quality entertainment that resonates with their audience.
With each performance, 911 Band Zimbabwe solidifies its reputation as a leading force in the music industry, ready to share their cultural heritage and innovative sounds with the world.
