Langalakhe Mabena [email protected]
CONTEMPORARY musician Fab G has paid tribute to his boyhood football club, Highlanders FC, with the release of a new single, iBosso Tshilamoya, as the Bulawayo giants celebrate their centenary year.
The musician, who grew up in a family of devoted Highlanders supporters, said his love for the black-and-white outfit was instilled in him by his father and uncles, making supporting Bosso a family tradition.
The single, which celebrates the club’s rich history and passionate following, features vocals from Mthunzi Da Poet. It was recorded, mixed and mastered by Neshville at Rock Up Studioz, while the guitar rhythm was provided by Ma-E Aparajalo of Tshibilika music group Insimbi ZeZhwane.
Fab G said he carefully selected the collaborators to create a sound befitting a club with Highlanders’ stature, opting for a stadium feel rather than relying heavily on electronic effects.
“Bosso is not just a football team, it’s a culture, and it’s a religion in Bulawayo. I grew up seeing my uncles, my father, everyone in black and white at Barbourfields. Somehow, the Bosso culture was instilled in me.
“The chants, the drums, the passion driven by the phrase ‘Siyinqaba’ and all that energy inspired me to craft this song. I wanted to give the fans an anthem they can sing in the stadium, in the kombi and at home,” he said.
Beyond his family’s influence, Fab G said his own footballing background also inspired the song. He played at grassroots level alongside footballers who went on to represent Highlanders’ senior team, experiences that strengthened his connection to the club.
“I was once a soccer player with the dream to play for Bosso, but I guess you just can’t escape destiny, though I am excited that the dream was fulfilled through some of my brothers, like Peter Muduwa, who was my senior at Ajax Hotspurs.
“Other people I played with who made it to the team are Xolani Mdlongwa and Arthur Ndlovu. This inspired me to also do something for the team I grew up admiring,” said Fab G.
The musician is among the artistes set to perform at the Bosso@100 Music Bash, scheduled for 31 October at the Highlanders Club House. The event will form part of the celebrations marking the club’s 100th anniversary.
Other performers include Tshibilika musicians Mxolisi Mr Bones and Godolude, Ramsey K and the Big Ray Band, Dzibalemvula, Noluntu J and Zwelihle Jele, among others.
Fab G said being part of the centenary celebrations was a significant milestone in his career, allowing him to contribute to the history of an institution that has played a major role in Bulawayo’s sporting and cultural identity.
“I feel honoured, humbled and blessed to be called to perform for a 100-year-old institution like Highlanders FC. These are huge moves. Many artistes dream of that stage. For me, it’s a career highlight. I give thanks to the organisers and Bosso fans for trusting my music.
“Being part of these celebrations means my music is now part of Bosso history. One hundred years comes once. My grandchildren will know that their grandfather sang for Bosso at 100 years. It’s bigger than music; it’s legacy. It is proof that Bulawayo artistes are being recognised by our own giants,” he said.
With the new anthem set to receive its first live performance at the event, Fab G urged supporters to turn out in large numbers and join him in celebrating the club’s milestone.
“I am coming to the event with my new Bosso anthem, which I will perform live for the first time. Fans should come in numbers and be ready to sing together. It will be a huge celebration and I promise to deliver my best as usual,” he said.
