Mkhululi Ncube, [email protected]
THE battle for Rhumba supremacy is heating up, with Gen Z (ama2000) musicians taking on the genre’s established veterans with fresh sounds and youthful energy. Leading the charge is Tsholotsho outfit AmaBosso Amahle, whose latest seven-track album, Imbazo Ekhalweni, signals that the young guns are ready to challenge the old guard.
The album follows the group’s single, Izigqwеle, released in April, which showcased its potential. On their second full-length album, the young musicians have left little to chance.
The seven-track album was launched in South Africa over the past weekend.
The group which is based in SA, comprises Silence Ncube on vocals, Praise Dube on lead guitar, Automatic Fingers on rhythm guitar and Saljen Nkamba Ndlovu on bass guitar.
The album features Ihlolanyama, Imbazo Ekhalweni, Ezinye Zimo, Alimbiwa Engakafiki, Umantindane, Isidleke Samademon and Inxeba LoThando.
However, one of the biggest challenges facing many South Africa-based bands is the limited number of live performances, which are crucial for building a strong connection with fans.
While social media has become an important marketing tool, live shows remain one of the key advantages established musicians have over emerging acts.
AmaBosso Amahle manager Thuba Ngwenya said the group was planning to stage live shows but was not yet fully equipped to organise them independently without support from music promoters.
“The album has been well received, and we are happy. We are in demand, with fans wanting to see us perform live. We are however hamstrung as a new band. We would have loved to launch the album in Botswana and Zimbabwe because we have received many enquiries from fans who want to see us perform on stage,” he said.
Ngwenya said the group was exploring ways to overcome the challenges and meet the growing demand for live performances.
—@themkhust
