Afrika Revenge

"Afrika Revenge" is a name that originates in a compilation album that Willis and Taz contributed in Bulawayo at the studios of Ray Raimondo back in 1998. "The revenge part is not as revengeful as it sounds," explains Taz. "It's just taking back our culture and instilling confidence in the people, not vengeance."

Since 1998, Willis and Taz have managed to capture the imagination of the nation and create their own brand of music which they call QAYA MUSIC.  QAYA pronounced "Kuh-Yuh" is Ndebele for home, and as they say, "home is where the heart is."  Their brand of music is a fusion of Afro jazz and traditional, influenced by a wide range of African music.

Initially  "play back" artists, they realized the value of live performance in building a broader, richer and more meaningful career.  They spent years finding the right musicians to work with and launched their performing careers in October 2002. 

Never looking back, they have already performed alongside some of the more illustrious musicians of Zimbabwe, from Alick the "King of Sungura" Macheso, Tongai "Samanyemba" Moyo, Tanga Wekwa Sando and the Superstar Oliver "Tuku"  Mtukudzi himself.  They have also graced the stage with well-known South African artistes such as Mandoza, Mafikizolo, Bongo Maffin and notably Ringo Mandlingozi.

Afrika Revenge has also become a name synonymous with Jazz festivals in Harare; having taken part in the Harare International Festival of Art (HIFA), the Winter Jazz festival at Jazz 105 and numerous youth Festivals. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, introducing "The Lifestyle"

The Pioneers and Drivers

Singer and songwriter Willis Wa-Taffi is unconditional in his love for music and never afraid of any challenges. He tackles life head-on without fear, learning from his mistakes. This is a philosophy that has seen him perfecting his composing and performing.

Hailing from Mt Darwin he is of Kore Kore origin, which you cannot miss in his verses, laced with a dialect very dear to him. Proud of his roots, he derives inspiration from his heritage. His favourite musicians closer to home include Tuku, Salif Keita, Ringo, Youssou N'Dour and Habib Koite.

With THE LIFESTYLE coming to life there are no limits, no boundaries in his eyes as to what he wants to achieve in the musical field. "I am proud of my Qaya! Are you proud of yours?"

Singer and songwriter Mehluli Moyo, aka "Taz," - is a young lad willing to experiment with different genres of music in order to brew something different and original. He looks to such artistes as Tuku, Ringo and Sepuma as inspiration and examples of what hard work will yield. He believes that there is always something to learn from every type of music. At 23 he will be the first to admit that performing live is not the easiest job to do.

Together with his partner Willis they brought together different individuals to form THE LIFESTYLE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Drums

Carlton T Mparutsa aka Mopani, aged only nineteen (19), is an immensely talented drummer who hails from the musical dynasty of the Mparutsas from Mutare, the eastern mountains of the country.  Already he has rubbed shoulders with some of the best musical artists in the world.  Eager to improve on his talents he is always willing to learn and it is this attitude that allows him to develop in leaps and bounds.  His nickname, 'Mopani', comes from an African tree that grows to be very strong.  His strength and contribution to THE LIFESTYLE (not to mention his build) have led to his nickname. 

Keyboard

Victor D. Mparutsa, aka "DUKE," is a young musician whose wisdom supercedes his age. Victor has gained the name Duke becuse of his character and qualities.  Also from the Mparutsa dynasty he learnt his trade fast and with his family musical background has contributed effortlessly to the successful growth of THE LIFESTYLE.  His technical know-how in the musical field has seen him proving his worth on numerous occasions in the sound engineering department.

Bass

Brighton Kufamurase, aka "Quixie," is 19 years old and a professional "Mupwanyist." Brighton is a multi-talented musician who is comfortable playing lead guitar, keyboards or bass.  One of the rising stars of his generation, the sky is the limit for this young talented man.  Already he has done work with most of the great musicians in Zimbabwe and it seems nothing will stop his meteoric rise.  He is an integral part of THE LIFESTYLE as his skills are second to none.

Guitar

Tendai B. Manatsa, aka "da Bomb" (mfana ka Zex), is 23. He plays the guitar with an experience and maturity far beyond his age.  Blessed with the ability to understand many different genres of music and thus play guitars fitting to these, he has been widely used as a session musician by the best as they realize his talent and flexibility on the instrument he so loves. Mr. Fender Stratocaster, as he is sometimes known, adds a different dimension to THE LIFESTYLE as his playing style is highly effective. Very much a people's person, his demeanor makes him one of the most approachable and likeable talented musicians this country has.

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