Harare — Ngosimbi Crew were last week called in to replace Ngwenya Brothers for the tour of Mozambique, which also features veteran sungura artiste, Nicholas "Madzibaba" Zakaria.

Although Ngwenya Brothers were part of the original tour, they had to be replaced as a number of band members are still recuperating at Parirenyatwa Hospital after being involved in a road accident a few weeks ago.

While the circumstances leading to their late involvement might be sad, it became Ngosimbi Crew's maiden tour of Mozambique since the death of their leader Admire Kasenga about three years ago.

Ngosimbi Crew are well known for the song Pamuchato waTobias.

Organised by Notice Chigome of Frontran Promotions, the tour of Mozambique will involve 14 shows in the Tete and Manica Provinces.

"We were scheduled to travel to Mozambique with Ngwenya Brothers but because of the fact that they are currently in hospital, they were unable to make it.

"We have instead decided to take Ngosimbi Crew with us because they are an equally good band and also since Madzibaba (Nicholas Zakaria) had recommended them to us, we decided to give them a chance," said Chigome shortly before their departure.

The promoter -- who a few months ago allegedly lost 40 000 rand in transactions involving Esau "Dhiziri" Ganizani, said he could not be deterred by the incident.

"This was a learning curve to both Dhiziri and myself. It is now water under the bridge and we all learnt a lesson. We are now at another stage and if he (Dhiziri) wishes to work with me he is welcome provided he has left his old ways," he said.

He however, single-handedly organised the Mozambican shows in a bid to avoid incurring huge losses.

"These shows are not for Madzibaba or Chigome alone but they are for Zimbabwe. We are lifting the country's flag high through sungura music. Madzibaba who is playing new songs during his shows would also take the opportunity to introduce them in Mozambique where his music is in huge demand together with that of (Alick) Macheso, Ngwenya Brothers and the late John Chibadura."