Mkhululi Ncube, [email protected]
MOST twins are admired for their striking similarities, shared interests and sometimes, an uncanny ability to think alike.
And while several twins have ventured into music over the years, Inhlenge ZeKezi could be breaking new ground in the rhumba scene with its twin frontmen.
Zimbabwe has seen twin musicians such as Roy and Royce during the urban grooves era, as well as the Rusike Brothers, comprising Collin and Kelly. Now, from Bhewula in Kezi, Nkosilathi and Nkosilamandla Moyo have joined the fray, bringing their shared musical journey to the rhumba genre.
The 29-year-old brothers, known by their stage names Sdudla and Kwaramba, have already performed alongside several rhumba musicians, including Prosper Bafana, Magwaza and Amathonga Amahle, led by Mcebisi Mlilo.
The twins, who are based in South Africa, are making their mark with their latest album, Iyolenda Loma Lishona, which showcases their musical promise.
Inhlenge ZeKezi band manager Nothani Hadebe traced the group’s origins to December 2023, when the members met in their rural home and resolved to form a band.
“We first met in December 2023 back home and resolved to form a band, as the twins had been assisting a number of artistes. We have another set of twins based in Kezi who are dancers, but they are not related to Sdudla and Kwaramba. Nkosilamandla plays rhythm guitar and provides vocals, while Nkosilathi plays lead guitar and also handles the main rhythm,” he said.
Hadebe said the band had released three albums: Unxamambili (2024), Ithimba Lamaliwa (2025) and its latest offering, Iyolenda Loma Lishona.
He said the band’s name was inspired by its desire to challenge the tendency to support musical groups based on their geographical origins rather than their talent.
“We adopted the name Inhlenge ZeKezi because we are against supporting bands based on where they come from. Before recording a full album, we released a single titled Inzisi Zalumhlaba,” he said.
Hadebe said the latest album was performing well despite the logistical challenges of working with the twins, who are based in Gqeberha, South Africa, while recording took place in Johannesburg.
“Our latest album is doing well, although we faced challenges because the twins are based in Gqeberha, South Africa, and had to travel to Johannesburg, where we recorded. That presented some difficulties, especially amid the current challenges facing foreigners in South Africa,” he said.
Judging by their latest offering, Inhlenge ZeKezi are among the acts to watch as they seek to establish themselves in the rhumba scene. Their ability to translate the promise displayed in the studio into compelling live performances could prove crucial to their long-term success.
Besides the title track, the album features songs such as Incwadi Engafundeki, Khula Nawe, Ngaphansi Kwetafula, Lingiqonda Ngqo, My Darling and Sengihleli nge Diff. @themkhust
