Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena Sunday Life Reporter
FOUNDER of multi-award-winning Imbube group Amaqaqa, Khulekani “Dlodloba” Sibanda is set to open a new chapter in his musical journey when he releases his latest solo project titled “Dlodloba Music — African Rhythm Collectives,” on November 10.
The project, which the Filabusi-bred musician describes as “something the world hasn’t tasted” seeks to create a distinct African sound by blending djembe, guitar, flute and violin with Nguni vocals.
Dlodloba said the project was driven by his long-held desire to create music that goes beyond established genres, with most of the songs built around African proverbs carrying life lessons.
“This project is about giving the world an African meal. It’s built on African proverbs, African accent and the essence of Africa.
“I want to stir together djembe, guitar, flute and violin with Nguni harmonies to create a sound that feeds both the soul and the identity of our people. The heart of it comes straight from God.
It’s wisdom, culture and healing served through music,” he said.
For Dlodloba, the project is the realisation of a vision he has carried for years.
He first ventured into solo music in 2017 when he released his eight-track album Shwele Baba. His intention, he said, was to introduce audiences to a different sound rather than follow the Maskandi route.
However, he added, the creatives he was working with at the time, most of whom were Maskandi artistes, convinced him to follow that direction.
Dlodloba also admitted that he did not communicate his vision clearly enough, resulting in Shwele Baba being recorded within the Maskandi space.
Now, he believes the time is right to bring his original vision to life.
“This time around it’s different. I am older, wiser and the vision is sharper. However, bringing this into fruition also has its effects. The hard part is protecting the sound I want to project until the world is ready for it.
“The good part is that I am no longer trying to fit in. I am here to lead with what I truly understand better,” he said.
While the solo project marks a new direction, Dlodloba was quick to dismiss suggestions that it could weaken his commitment to Amaqaqa, the award-winning Imbube ensemble he founded.
He described Amaqaqa as his “mother career” and said he remained deeply committed to the group.
“Amaqaqa and Dlodloba are not in competition. They are in alignment. I recorded Dlodloba Music before I founded Amaqaqa.
“I will always respect my divine calling on Amaqaqa Music because it carries the true vision I had for the group. On Dlodloba, I am just expressing my feelings and talent to the world through instrumental music,” said Dlodloba.
He described Amaqaqa as the foundation from which his solo work is emerging.
“Amaqaqa is the house. It is heritage, harmony and ministry to the people. Dlodloba is the new meal served from that same pot. It is the innovation, the experiment, the sound that pushes the culture forward.
“As a leader, my job is to steward both, though Amaqaqa will be the main source of my strength. Amaqaqa will continue touring, teaching and performing. Dlodloba will be my laboratory where I birth new sound for the next generation,” he said.
For Dlodloba, the solo journey is therefore not about abandoning Amaqaqa, but expanding the musical vision that inspired him in the first place.
