Online Reporter
Nodumo Moyo [email protected]
AFRO-IMBUBE artiste Brian Sibanda, popularly known as Ezebhubesi The Lion’s Pride, used music, fashion and performance to celebrate African heritage and cultural identity at this year’s King Mzilikazi commemorations.
Sibanda represented the Ezebhubesi The Lion’s Pride brand at the commemorations in Mhlahlandlela, where he performed his song “Amankengane” as part of the cultural programme honouring the legacy of King Mzilikazi.
For the artiste, the event went beyond entertainment, highlighting the role of creatives in preserving and passing on history and culture.
“Taking part meant a great deal to me because, as an artiste, I believe that music has a responsibility to preserve and communicate our history and culture. Being part of the Mzilikazi commemorations allowed me to celebrate our heritage through the language I understand best – music and performance.
“It also reminded me that we are not just entertainers; we are custodians of stories, traditions and identity,” he said.
His performance was complemented by the distinctive Ezebhubesi outfit, which he said was deliberately designed to embody the values and identity of the brand.
“The inspiration behind the Ezebhubesi outfit comes from the symbolism of the lion – strength, courage, leadership, dignity and pride. The design is therefore intentional: it combines a powerful stage presence with elements that reflect African identity and cultural pride.
“For me, an artiste’s clothing is also part of the performance. When I walk onto the stage dressed as Ezebhubesi, I’m not simply wearing a costume; I’m stepping into an identity and telling a story,” he said.
Sibanda said the Ezebhubesi identity was also about community, with the “Pride” representing unity and togetherness.
“Ezebhubesi The Lion’s Pride represents strength, courage, cultural pride, leadership and unity. The lion is powerful, but ‘The Pride’ is equally important because it represents community and togetherness.
“I believe that our culture becomes stronger when we celebrate it together and when the older generation passes knowledge and traditions to the younger generation,” he said.
He said the outfit was particularly significant at the commemorations as it provided another way of communicating heritage and cultural pride.
