Fusion 5 Mangwiro Set to Release Second Album “Marunje” in Phases

AFRO-FUSION band Fusion 5 Mangwiro is gearing up for the release of their much-anticipated second album, Marunje, which will be unveiled in phases with one track at a time. The grand finale album launch is expected to take place in September, offering fans a unique and exciting journey through their diverse sounds.

Band spokesperson and vocalist Brian Maguta revealed that Marunje will feature a captivating mix of songs including Zuva, Mvura, Amai, Sesedzo, Marunje, Harare, and Nguruve Yemusango. The album blends various prominent music styles and traditions from Zimbabwe, Africa, and China, showcasing the band’s multicultural influences.

Fusion 5 Mangwiro, consisting of Maguta, Aaron Manyati, and Gilbert Gwatidzo, is known for singing in English, Shona, and Mandarin, a unique linguistic combination that highlights their wide-reaching musical influences. The band is often accompanied by Those Boys Vacho, a supporting group that enhances their performances, especially during large audience shows.

At the recently concluded National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA), Fusion 5 Mangwiro delivered a show-stopping performance that had the crowd buzzing with excitement. This was just one of their many remarkable performances. At Gava’s Restaurant in Harare, the band performed songs from their two albums, Mixed Feelings and Marunje, for five continuous hours, engaging the audience with both energetic and soothing Afro-fusion instrumentals.

The internationally recognized band, winners of the Dream Star Troupe, was initially nurtured by the China Zimbabwe Exchange Centre in China. Their well-polished stage presence and aura were evident during their performance at Gava’s, where the trio was dressed in elegant white costumes and displayed their vocal and instrumental dexterity.

Maguta, also a skilled Jembe drum player, expressed his excitement about the Gava’s performance, describing it as the “chilliest show” they’ve ever done, with an audience seated comfortably, enjoying both the music and their meals. He shared the band’s philosophy on their music: “What we are good at is making music, and we believe it is the job of our audience to make each and every one of our songs a hit.”

Regarding the new album, Maguta added, “We are done with recording our second album Marunje, and we will release one single at a time until we’re ready for the grand finale launch.” He further stated that they were also making preparations for local and international tours, including performances in Kenya, South Africa (Mzansi), and eventually China.

“We take this as a privilege and honour to perform at places like Gava’s, where several corporate leaders and influential people come and witness for themselves the richness of Zimbabwean music,” Maguta said. “We hope this whole experience helps in getting Fusion 5 Mangwiro known and getting closer to people, eventually performing for bigger crowds in the future.”

Fusion 5 Mangwiro continues to grow as a culturally and musically multi-faceted outfit, uplifting audiences not only at concerts but also at breakfast and conference meetings. With their diverse musical style and international aspirations, the band is poised to make a significant impact on the global music scene.