Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
CELEBRATED Imbube ensemble Amaqaqa is set to deliver soothing harmonic melodies on stage as they reaffirm their presence on the local music scene with a new production titled Singing Like Birds.
The much-anticipated showcase is set for 31 May at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo.
Known for their powerful stage presence and award-winning performances, Amaqaqa are staging this new production at a time when Imbube groups have been relatively quiet in terms of live events this year. As trailblazers of the genre, they aim to rekindle interest in Isicathamiya music and raise the standard of local traditional performances.
Amaqaqa has already begun a robust social media marketing campaign, stirring excitement among fans and traditional music lovers.
The group will be joined on stage by South Africa-based Maskandi musician Zinjaziyamluma and the phenomenal gospel acappella group UDonsi LwabaPostoli, adding rich cultural diversity to the line-up.
Speaking on the production, Amaqaqa frontman Khulekani “Khabo” Madodana Dlodlo said the group is switching gears in terms of tone and message. This time, the performance will tackle deeper social themes such as gender-based violence (GBV), love and peace, woven into multi-lingual harmonies.
“We named the production Singing Like Birds because, just like birds, we’ll be expressing ourselves in different melodic tones. Birds have their own way of communicating and making their presence known through song; that’s exactly what we want to do,” said Dlodlo.
“This time we’re coming with a different mood. We’re using our voices to sing about real issues affecting our communities, especially GBV. Our songs will feature different languages, creating a fusion of native sounds and rhythms that resonate across borders.”
Dlodlo also highlighted the group’s ongoing challenges in bringing the show to life. The production is self-funded and while the group remains passionate and determined, he noted the need for partnerships to make cultural music sustainable.
“We’re sponsoring ourselves to uplift our brand and to keep our music alive. But to truly make this dream flourish, we’re appealing to companies and cultural institutions to support us, whether through donations or sponsorship.
We’re not just performing, we are preserving culture and paving the way for the next generation of artistes.”
He promised those attending the event an emotionally charged performance that would showcase the full extent of Amaqaqa’s vocal prowess.
“Expect an intense live show. We’ll pour our hearts out on that stage. Our goal is to take Imbube to a level where it is respected and celebrated like other mainstream genres,” he said.
Following the Bulawayo première, the group plans to take Singing Like Birds on tour in South Africa, with performances scheduled for Durban, Cape Town, and Johannesburg. The tour aims to expand Amaqaqa’s reach and further promote Zimbabwean traditional music on regional stages.
With this bold new production, Amaqaqa continues to lead the way in cultural preservation, artistic excellence and social commentary through music.
