Harare — Afrocoustic music group Bongo Love has returned from a five-month tour of the United States after staging numerous successful shows.

Music Crossroads co-ordinator Mathias Bangure announced the return of the group, saying the tour was an eye-opener.

The group staged shows in Atlanta, Boston, New York, and Seattle and had a much-acclaimed performance which attracted over 60 000 fans.

"At the moment, the group will take a short break before starting shows locally. I am quite sure their first show would be a fundraising concert of which I will give details in due course," Bangure said. Bongo Love played at the inaugural Folklife Festival at the Seattle Centre before thousands of people. The group also held successful workshops on mbira, marimba and dancing in Boston, Seattle, Bellingham and on Whidbey Islands.

In May, the group performed at the Zimbabwean Music Night with special guest Anzanga Marimba, who was taught and later performed with the late Dumi Maraire.

Later, they staged shows on the Whidbey Islands at the Bayview Community Hall and at the Synergia Ranch, which, Bangure said, were well attended. In June, Bongo Love featured at the Plugged in Concert in the Madison Square Gardens before more than 60 000 people.

Bongo Love, who won the regional Music Crossroads competition last year in Maputo, was formed in 2001. Determined despite lack of support, the four-member group spent time working together to come up with a distinctive sound.