Edward Tsumele

Edward Tsumele

It has never happened before in the brief history since the formation of the formidable Afro-pop groups Malaika and Mafikizolo.

But tomorrow night, Malaika and Mafikizolo, who will be far away from home in London, will make history. The two groups have once again made Afro-pop popular since their formation a few years ago. They will perform at a gig at London's Stratford Rex.

But before they go head to head, the promoters of the London gig have put together a pre-gig party on this evening to welcome the two super groups.

While Malaika and Mafikizolo have, as individual groups, performed in the UK several times before, it will be the first time that they will be performing together, raising questions of possible rivalry since their style is not that different.

They have, however, shared the stage with other musicians at festivals in the country in the past, but not only as two individual groups, Malaika lead singer Tshedi Moholo said yesterday.

"It's a pity that it has taken a UK promoter to see the significance of the two groups performing together on one stage.

"It could have been nicer at home because people have always compared the two groups, with some saying we perform the same style."