Matongo Family Reunited and Revamped

A decade after they split, Strauss Lunyangwe (Stravo), Arthur Nanub (Damara Dik Ding) and Themba Matongo, collectively known as Matongo Family, are reunited and ready to continue where they left off.

The trio recently released a single titled ‘My Everything’ which is enjoying airplay on national radio stations. Wasting no time, they are already in studio working on an album.

“We were continuously asked to put out an album together just for our fans and as a family, we decided now is the perfect time,” Damara Dik Ding said.

“For the past 10 years, people have been asking us the same question. ‘When is Matongo Family getting back together?’ So many times people would ask me at a show whether Matongo Family will be performing together,” Stravo, also known as Mr Makoya, said.

Although they never discussed reuniting when they broke up, Stravo says in the back of his mind he always thought of getting back together. Stravo and Damara Dik Ding both kicked off successful solo careers and third member Themba also endeavoured into his own projects.

They tried reuniting before but the timing was just never right, especially because all three were busy with their solo projects.

Stravo says the only reason they broke up was because they each wanted to do their own individual thing at the time.

“When we finally decided to get back together as Matongo Family, everything fell into place, which proved that the timing was right this time.” Stravo said.

The ‘Manuva’ singers received a standing ovation at the recent NAMAs when they performed their hits. The performance sent even more pleas from fans their way to reunite.

Although they had already reunited by the time of their performance earlier this year, Stravo says it was not part of their plan to perform as Matongo Family at the awards.

“The organisers have been trying to get us to perform as Matongo Family for the past four years and only this year we agreed. That just confirms that the timing is right.”

The group said that even though they are coming back revamped, fans can still look forward to their unique sound that they call the Namibian sound.

Apart from just coming back as recording artists, the group says they want to take the industry back to the days of filling up venues for music shows and to get Namibians excited to attend music concerts by their own musicians.

“We want to bring back that pride of celebrating our own musicians. If the South African musicians can have shows in their countries and pull big crowds, then we can all also have shows and have our fans come out in numbers,” Stravo said.

Their unique style has always been one of their best assets and Stravo says after all these years, that hasn’t changed.

Describing the experience of being back in studio together, Stravo says he can only think of one word – magic.

While fitting around each others’ schedules is a bit challenging, it is made easier by the fact that they are all willing to make it work.

For fans who’ve been eagerly awaiting an album, the wait will soon be over. Engaging an element of surprise, the group says they want to keep the release date of the album as well as who they are working with a secret for now, so stay tuned…