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Mafikizolo, Bongo Maffin off to UK

Edward Tsumele

Edward Tsumele

Leading African pop groups Mafikizolo and Bongo Maffin will leave for London later this month where they are billed to perform at two venues.

The two groups have a date with their fans in London on June 22 and in Coventry on June 23.

Mafikizolo has endeared themselves to music lovers in South Africa and the rest of the southern Africa region through the unique manner in which it blends South African classics of the 1950s and 1960s with contemporary kwaito rhythms.

It has a huge following in the country as its brand of Afro pop appeals to both the young and adults alike.

Even after the tragic death of Mafikizolo member Tebogo Benedict Madingoane in early 2004, Nhlanhla Nciza and Theo Kgosinkwe continue to entertain South African music lovers.

Having sold over 700000 copies of their first two albums Sibongile and Kwela, Mafikizolo continues to build on the heritage. Their music is kwaito-cum-marabi house music for sure, full of bumpin' beats and basslines, bleeps and wonderful effects, yet it's raw and full of energy.

In recent years their appeal has extended all over the world. They have been regulars on the London live music circuit for some time now.

Last year group members made headlines but for the wrong reason. During their London performance in November, robbers stole personal items such as cellphones and other electronic gadgets.

"Yes it's true that we have been booked to perform at two venues. We are, however, not going to perform at the venues where our personal stuff was stolen last year," confirmed Mafikizolo manager Julius Mekwa.

Bongo Maffin is one of the leading Afro pop groups that have come to epitomise excellence in this genre.

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