500 pay for Sandra Ndebele album launch

Bongani Ndlovu Showbiz Correspondent
PREPARATIONS for Sandra Ndebele’s album launch are at an advanced stage with 500 guests having already paid for places at the dinner that will be held at the Large City Hall in Bulawayo on Thursday.

The album, titled Izenzo, will be the seventh from the musician and will see the songstress performing live for guests and recording a DVD of the event.

Sandy, as Ndebele is popularly known, said the tables at the show would probably run out by Thursday as only 30 are left.

“My dream was to have 1,000 people at the event and with the way things are going I believe it will come true. That’ll be achieved as I’ve already sold 50 tables that seat 10 people each and there’re only 30 tables left. Each chair is $40,” she said.

Ndebele, who burst onto the music scene in 2003 with the hit song Mama off the album Tshaya Tshaya, thanked the corporate world for supporting her album launch.

She said she was excited to have Clive Chigubu as an MC and performer at the event.

“We shall have Clive Chigubu as part of the entertainment and various groups are expected to perform. Guests will be given a three course meal but I can’t reveal what exactly will be on the menu as it’s a surprise,” Ndebele said.

She said part of the guests would be children from various orphanages she works with.

“I love to celebrate milestones in my life with orphans. Last year on my birthday I was with them at Amakhosi Cultural Centre as they’re close to my heart and they’re some whom I’m mentoring,” Ndebele said.

The former Iyasa dancer said her album encompassed all the aspects of Zimbabwean culture as she sang in different languages.

“The album is a reflection of my Zimbabwean identity. I come from Bulawayo but I’m a Zimbabwean first that’s why I’ve songs with Jeys Marabini, Jah Prayzah and Nashie of the Chibhorane fame,” Ndebele said.

The album, which also features South African group The Teddy Bears, had its launch stalled last year because Ndebele’s quest to use the Large City Hall for free was turned down by the Bulawayo City Council which cited financial constraints.

As a result, the musician had to source funds to pay for the venue, which she successfully did.