Monoswezi

Monoswezi is a Norwegian-based group active since 2010. It brings together musicians from Mozambique, Norway, Sweden and Zimbabwe, and includes Hallvard Godal, Hope Masike, Erik Nylander and Calu Tsemane.

Style and approach

The group focuses on traditional African music, especially music from Zimbabwe and Mozambique, and combines it with jazz and modern Western references. Its performances include both traditional material and pieces written by members of the band, often with a strong improvisational element.

Repertoire and influences

Monoswezi’s music draws on the long musical traditions of Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Its sound features vocals, drums, percussion, local marimbas in different sizes, and mbira. The mbira is the national instrument of Zimbabwe and has a long history with the Shona people. The group’s approach also reflects rhythmic links with American jazz and thematic, repetitive patterns associated with composers such as Steve Reich and Philip Glass.

Recordings and reception

The group releases its 2010 album Monoswezi on the Parallell label. The album receives critical attention in Norway and internationally, and is played on radio in Canada, the United States, England, France, Poland, Serbia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Sweden and Norway.

Related activity

The musicians in Monoswezi are also involved in other projects including Ola Kvernberg Trio, Lekverk, Sidiki Camara Band and Tore Brunborg Trio. Hallvard, Putte and Erik also spend extended periods in Mozambique, Ghana, Cameroon and Gambia, where they play with a range of musicians.

Performance context

The group’s music reflects a tradition in which performance and audience participation are closely linked, with dance and active involvement often forming part of the musical setting.