adminSimbarashe Mutizwa Showbiz Reporter
BULAWAYO up-and-coming gospel artiste Dumisani Nkomo, popularly known as Dumi Nyongola has paid tribute to the city gospel lovers for supporting the genre. Nyongola, who is also Jeys Marabini’s studio vocalist, said gospel music could only grow in Bulawayo if gospel fans support it.
“Bulawayo people are gradually showing appreciation of gospel artistes. Back then, it was generally difficult for gospel artistes to command a full house at their shows here.
“This has changed as some gospel shows now have packed venues, a development that we gospel artistes have always wanted,” Nyongola said.
The up-and-coming artiste who joined the music industry in 1996, said working with established artistes such as Marabini had assisted him as he has grown musically.
“Before I got into the music business, I was a fine arts painter at Penzo Zimbabwe in Belmont. My talent was identified by different people who would listen to me sing as I was painting.
“They told me I had a good voice and encouraged me to take music seriously. I then decided to find a group that I could join and luckily, Jeys Marabini was just starting his band so I joined him.
“Working with Marabini has been a great experience as it has exposed me,” said Nyongola.
He said it was in 2005 when he received a calling to venture into gospel music.
“I was never interested in singing gospel music till one day when I was composing lyrics for a love song, I found myself singing gospel. A friend of mine from Family of God church told me it was a calling and urged me to sing gospel. That’s when I started my career as a gospel artiste,” he said.
Nyongola’s debut gospel album was released last year with the second one expected to be released in August next year.
“I am working on my new album which is going to be a 10-track project. Among the tracks are uSathani, Umngane Wami, Kalvari and Uma Ungena.
“I am planning to have a double launch with the first launch dedicated to my Zimbabwean fans while the second one will be for my South African fans,” he said.
Nyongola who is now a part time member of Marabini’s band and Nobuntu’s vocal coach and stage manager, said he had not stopped painting.
“I am actually working on a painting which has an African theme of women farming. I like African paintings and therefore have most of my works based on that theme,” he said.
Nyongola however, expressed disappointment over corporates and promoters who he said were not supporting up-and-coming artistes, especially those who sing gospel.
“I am disappointed by the way promoters are treating artistes. Promoters and corporate are ignoring gospel musicians,” he said.
Online Reporter