TENDEREDZA

YAMBIRO



Afresh
Live Zimbabwean Folk. 


Afresh is a traditional Zimbabwean folk band based in Belfast. The band is led by Gabriel Makamanzi.

Gabriel cut his teeth in The Spider Crew in Zimbabwe when he was 18. He had made his name there whilst playing the shakers or maracas.  He was also accomplished on guitar, drums, percussion and bass. After travelling to London in Dec 2002 with performer Andy Brown, Gabriel relocated to Belfast when their tour ended in 2003. He has been living in Belfast ever since.

Today Gabriel's main focus is Zimbabwe's traditional instrument, the Mbira. This instrument is rooted in Africa's history spanning back 800 years. It is a plucked instrument with keys made from metal, these where originally craved from stone. The number of keys vary from the simple 6 note models used by the Kalahi Bushmen to the more complex model used by Gabriel, a 33 note instrument found in Zimbabwe, made in fact, by his Uncle. 

During his time in Belfast Gabriel has worked with The Motion Project, Talking Drum and currently plays in Afresh, a band with traditional Zimbabwean roots blended with element of funk and reggae. 

Most recently Gabriel has also become a member of the Thomas Mapfumo Band, a legendary African icon, allowing Gabriel to play at the top of his field with gigs in London, Zimbabwe and South Africa planned for this year. Thomas Mapfumo was the first African musician to mix the traditional Mbira in with the western guitar. Gabriel considers in an honour to play with such a seminal musician. 

Gabriel talks about a freedom found in music, which he loves to share through holding drumming and Mbira workshops.

“In the workshops we first take time to tell stories of life in Africa and take questions, then we play some music together using the Mbira and drums amongst other instruments. We hold these workshops in many places, schools, community centre's and festivals...where ever we are welcome,” laughs Gabriel.  


Afresh – The Band. 

Afresh consists of Gabriel (See Above) on Mbria and Vocals, Alan Sproule on guitar, Jennifer Warnock on Bass and  Everson Taelo Moyo on Shakers and Vocals. 

Alan (Guitar), from Lisburn, previously played in The Malfunktion Band, a six-piece funk & soul act with an emphasis on live improvisation. The band sprung to life as a freestyle jam night at the Black Box, Belfast called The Malfunktion Room.
Previous to this Alan lived in Leicester, where he played with a world music group called Unida Rhythmics, during this time he was also involved with a funk seven-piece called Cassava from 2002 to 2005. 

Jennifer (Bass), from Belfast started off as a music student with Alan as her teacher a few years ago. Afresh is her first band. 

Everson Taelo Moyo (Shakers and Vocals) from Zimbabwe, and now living in Belfast, has been singing since 2004 with a background in various churches and choir groups. 

To Listen to Afresh please visit our SoundCloud page below. 

https://soundcloud.com/afresh-band 

To find out more information or to book Gabriel as part of Afresh or for a workshop visit call 07742329203, visit www.facebook.com/Afresh or email Afreshband@gmail.com

We look forward to hearing from you...


AFresh Band