2ks bring fresh energy to Rhumba

THE next generation of Rhumba artistes is knocking on the doors of recognition, with breaking into the limelight being the ultimate goal for many emerging bands.

The bands, made up mostly of Generation Z (2Ks), are as many as the number of villages across the Matabeleland region, as young musicians continue to embrace the genre and carve out their own space.

While the likes of Ndolwane Super Sounds, Mlambo’s Express Band, Insimbi ZeZhwane and Mxolisi “Mr Bones” among others belong to an older generation, dating back to the 1990s and beyond, they are still holding their own on stage, with Gen Z coming fast behind them.

One such band is Khubula Super Sounds, fronted by Kwanele Nyoni from Khubula village in Binga District, Matabeleland North Province.
Nyoni teamed up with Super Vundla, son of respected bassist Obert Vundla, to form the band. Super also plays the bass guitar.

While many up-and-coming bands struggle to secure live shows, Khubula Super Sounds has already shared the stage with established acts such as Mxolisi “Mr Bones” and Insimbi ZeZhwane.
Nyoni said his passion for music developed at a young age, with the guitar becoming a constant companion even while he was herding cattle.

“I developed a love for playing the guitar at a young age. Even when herding cattle, I always carried my guitar. Sometimes, I’d lose the cattle because of the guitar, which earned me a beating from the elders,” he said.

Kwanele said he released his first single in 2022 in Bulawayo before relocating to South Africa, where he is now based.

He followed it up with another single in April 2023 before releasing a full-length album in September of the same year.
“The guys I started the band with, moved to other places in search of work opportunities until I teamed up with Super. I play lead and rhythm guitar as well as vocals,” he said.

The band, which is slowly, but surely building its fan base, is working on its next project, which is set for release this month. The upcoming album will follow their previous projects, Chi Joe Saka (2023), iHoneymoon (2024) and the 2025 production, Ngimtholile.

Kwanele said the band has been well received by Rhumba fans, a response that has pushed them to work even harder.
“We are planning to do live shows back home this year as a way of introducing ourselves to people. We are working on it and fans should watch out for us. We hope radio stations back home will also receive our music and play it,” he said. – @themkhust