UK-based Band Sets The Stage Alight With Shona Renditions In Canterbury
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UK-based Band Sets The Stage Alight With Shona Renditions In Canterbury

Canterbury, Kent -UK based Zimbabweans mobbed Canterbury’s Phoenix Pub  on Saturday for the Kent  Zimbabwe Society fundraising event where shona singing outfit Kamikaze Test Pilots set the stage alight with a spirited performance that left fans calling for more.

The award-winning  Reading based outfit fronted by Kwekwe born Ryan and Wes Niemandt brothers  have become popular with Zimbabweans who are based in Europe for their renditions on Shona classics.

The rock band also plays sungura and jiti songs, much to the delight of nostalgic Zimbabweans based abroad.

The group has become a permanent feature at Zimbabwean events held in European countries.

In some of their videos posted on the internet, the group performs renditions of all time Shona classics from musicians such as the late Leonard Dembo, Marshal Munhumumwe and James Chimombe.

Speaking after the show, lead singer Ryan Niemandt said singing in Shona brings memories of home to Zimbabweans in foreign lands.

“Everybody here can speak English and/or Shona, so it’s a way of bringing everyone together.”said Ryan

The event was attended by  Kent Union Presidential candidate Dave Cocozza ,Civic activists Jeff Sango, Lawyer and academic Dr  Alex Magaisa, Politician Nick Mangwana  and GP Dr Chireka among others.

The event kicked off with the BBQ  in which Zimbabwe’s local community socialised and dined with families.

Of paramount importance to Kent Zimbabwe Society was the need to bring the Zimbabwean community and its friends together.

 

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