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Ntombiyolwandle Ndlovu, Sunday Leisure Reporter
MOST musical bands in the country have been characterised by splits, owing to much bickering over issues concerning money and power struggles.
Not even the likes of legendary Zimbabwean musicians Oliver Mtukudzi and the Sungura Kingpin Alick Macheso have been spared this phenomenon. However, it is a different story for Bulawayo Afro Jazz maestro Jeys Marabini.
He is one musician who is proud to have kept a band member for a solid 16 years. Relvi Ndlovu (53) has not just been Marabini’s guitarist but also a pillar of strength to Marabini’s Kozekulunge band. Ndlovu poured his heart out in an interview last week on his musical career and journey with Marabini.
“I joined Marabini in 2000 but before I had played the guitar for different bands including the late Solomon Skuza. But back then, music to me was just a part time thing, as I used to work at Archer Clothing Company but it was only when I joined Marabini that I then decided to take music as a full time job,” he said.
Ndlovu, who is a seasoned bassist, described his boss as a respectable leader who respected his band members and made sure that he attended to their needs.
“Marabini is someone I respect, I might be older than him but he treats me like his father and he just gives the same respect as fellow band members. He does not discriminate,” he said.
Ndlovu mentioned that he had a dream to establish something of his own one day.
“I have seen bands split or band members crossing to other bands but as for me I don’t want to have a situation where I abandon this band to try to establish my own band like others. In most cases it doesn’t work. If ever I am going to decide to do that I will make sure I do it in a proper manner and I am sure that I will even leave Jeys a happy man. For a fact I would like to say despite the years I have been in this industry, I am still learning the dos and don’ts of this industry so I don’t see myself taking any move of such sort anytime soon,” he said.
Ndlovu’s cordial relationship with Marabini has seen him being the most trusted member in the band and has even toured the greater part of Europe and Africa with Marabini.
Ndlovu, who managed to build a house in Mbundane suburb, said the arts industry was not as bad as what other artistes claimed.
“I am able to sustain myself because I have a passion for music but the truth is money is never enough, but naturally we are human beings we never get easily satisfied. In isiNdebele they say Umendo awuthunyelwa gundwane but you find people are still getting married,” he said.
Ndlovu said his plans for the future were to give back to the younger generation.
“I want to build my own studio so that I am able to give an opportunity to youngsters to learn how to play musical instruments, sing or record like what many people are doing these days. As you might be aware youth centres are no longer functional so it might be one way of removing the youngsters off the streets in the process saving them from committing crimes and abusing drugs,” he said.
Ndlovu also urged fellow artistes to respect each other and also the public to take arts seriously.
Online Reporter