ZIMBABWE'S most celebrated celebrated young band, Mokoomba, return to the NCEM on Friday with a new album to their name, Luyando.

Luyando means "mother’s love" in Tonga, a language spoken by the original inhabitants of the Zambezi Valley of southern Africa, but beyond the dictionary definition, Luyando goes to the heart of Mokoomba‘s music.

Lyrical and beautifully breezy, Luyando is a spiritual journey into the heart of Zimbabwean society, culture and tradition. "Mokoomba" translates as "deep respect for the river", and these musicians translate that respect into contagiously joyful and energetic performances, led by singer and percussionist Mathias Muzaza.

Performing alongside Muzaza will be Trustworth Samende, electric and nylon guitars; Abundance Mutori, bass; Donald Moyo, keyboards; Miti Mugande, percussion, and Ndaba Coster Moyo, drums. All contribute backing vocals too.

"Mokoomba came to the NCEM some years ago with the late, lamented world music promoters Making Tracks and are a great band," says NCEM director Delma Tomlin.

Tickets for Friday's 7.30pm concert cost £17, concessions £15, under 35s £5, on 01904 658338 or at ncem.co.uk