Vusumuzi Dube
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
LOCAL musician, Sandra Ndebele has reiterated the need for cross-cultural and cross-border collaborations as the anchor in the growth of the music sector.
She said this in a side interview during her annual, “Denim on Pearls” birthday bash held at the Zimbabwe International Conference and Exhibition Smart City (ZICES) Hall 2 on Saturday.
“Without collaboration, we can’t grow. This is also one of the pillars of this event. Last year, we had the Qwabe Twins and DJ Tira and this year, we carry the same idea forward. We need to collaborate across the board, that’s how we grow,” she said.
The Umuzi singer has collaborated with South African singers, Professor and Platform One in the past. She said she is open to collaborate with Dladla Mshunqisi.
“Later this year, I’ll be launching an album and my brother, Dladla Mshunqisi will be there. We might collaborate on a song, who knows!” she said.
Bhila gave a splendid performance. From, Emaweni, Njalo to his new banger, Jikela.
This was in tandem with performances from artistes including DJ Eugy, Sithandazile “Um’Africakazi” Dube, DJ Prince Eskhosini, and dancers who kept the audience on its feet.
With umbrellas used as chandeliers hanging from the roof, the decoration became indicative of Sandy’s peculiar taste: “I’m very particular when I do things, so that’s why I wanted to show people that curation of high-quality events is attainable even in Bulawayo and that’s what inspired this.”
A moment of silence led by host Sandy and event directors, DJ Nospa and Mzoe7 was held for the late Bulawayo broadcaster, Babongile “Babo” Sikhonjwa who died last year.
The event’s appeal was evident as Platform One’s duo of Nani Ntengo and Sonto Dladla, Bulawayo comedians, Ntandoyenkosi Van Moyo and Zwe Hlabangana were attendees.
For Mshunqisi, the love from his Bulawayo faithful was overwhelming.
“Bulawayo has a different vibe and I love it. The energy and love I got while I was performing told me what I needed to know, my music has such a huge following here. I felt privileged to be called to perform at a themed event where women are at the forefront. I can’t wait to come back here,” the Puku Puku singer said.
His high-octane performance with coordinated dance routines saw Dladla Mshunqisi’s dancer hypnotising the crowd.
His DJ raised both the curtain and bar for him and set the tone for a performance which would debunk the phenomenon that South African artistes perform “short times” whenever they are hired in Zimbabwe.
Dladla’s set ticked most of the boxes as he performed close to an hour and his energy didn’t dip. — Follow on X @MbuleloMpofuEntertainment
Online Reporter