Band Fusion’s bold musical transition

BAND Fusion, the acclaimed five-piece Afro-soul band from Bulawayo, has embarked on a new musical journey with the release of their original Valentine’s Day single, Asibuyeleni Emathandweni. This marks a departure from their usual setlist of covers as they transition into songwriting and composition.

The romantically charged track, featuring Austria-based artist Vusa Mkhaya, represents a significant evolution for the band, which has spent the past eight years captivating audiences with dynamic live performances. Known for blending original compositions with popular hits, BAND Fusion has performed at major events such as the Bulawayo Jazz Festival, Munch & Sip food festival, and the Intwasa Arts Festival KoBulawayo.

In an interview with Chronicle Showbiz, the band’s vocalist and drummer, Lungile “Luiji” Ndlovu, described this shift as a natural progression. “For eight years, we’ve been gigging — doing covers and karaoke performances. Now, we believe all those years have been preparing us for this moment, where we create and expand our own musical portfolio,” said Luiji.

“We are in transition mode, tapping into uncharted territory.”

Luiji shared the inspiration behind Asibuyeleni Emathandweni, explaining that the song evokes an era when love was built on trust, respect, and heartfelt communication —qualities that seem rare in today’s digital age.

“The song takes listeners back to a time when romance was nurtured through handwritten letters, stolen glances, and shared dreams under starlit skies. It reflects on an era when love thrived authentically, untainted by cheating or emotional manipulation. True romance was about mutual support and unwavering loyalty — foundations that stood the test of time,” he said.

The song was recorded at Loud Records and Bethline Studios, with production handled by GL. Collaborating with Vusa Mkhaya added a unique depth to the track, enhancing its romantic essence.

“It’s always fun working with artists from Bulawayo because they possess amazing creativity,” Mkhaya shared.

Asibuyeleni Emathandweni, Luiji said, is just the beginning. The band plans to release a series of singles throughout the year, including Musikana Akanaka, featuring rapper Asaph Afrika, and Uthando Ngumlilo.