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.
