Vusumuzi Dube
Mthabisi Tshuma, [email protected]
THE forthcoming Independence Gala, set for April 18 at Minda High School in Matobo District, Matabeleland South Province, will shine a spotlight on home-grown talent.
Already unveiled for the showcase are Ufasimba The Home of Art, Indosakusa (The Morning Star), Ndolwane Super Sounds, Mavusani and the Chimurenga Vocalists, and Macrey Super Sounds, with more artistes still to be announced.
Gwanda-based imbube outfit Ufasimba The Home of Art says they are thrilled to make their maiden appearance at the prestigious national event.
Formed in 2023, the eight-member group has been steadily building its profile in Matabeleland South, with its selection for the national showcase marking a significant milestone.
In an interview, group manager Mthabisi Moyo described the opportunity as a great honour.
“We’ve never performed at an Independence Gala. It’s quite an honour to be selected among the best in the country, considering we’re a fairly new group. This shows we have an impact with the work we are doing,” Moyo said.
He thanked the Speaker of Parliament, Advocate Jacob Mudenda, who was part of a delegation that recently watched them perform in Gwanda, as well as arts sector leaders who saw it fit for the group to partake in the gala.
Moyo added that the group is ready to showcase the richness of one of the country’s oldest musical genres in the Matobo thickets.
“All imbube/isicathamiya lovers should expect quality-packed harmony sounds and choreography, which will awe them as we seek to put on the map, a genre that many may say has been overlooked. Ours is to revive imbube, make it more loved again,” said Moyo.
Inspired by celebrated imbube groups such as Black Umfolosi, Indosakusa Imbizo and Godlwayo, Ufasimba
The Home of Art performs traditional and gospel music at State functions, weddings, funerals and church gatherings. The group emerged from a workshop organised by Thobela Arts Foundation in preparation for the 2024 Imbube Milestone Competition.
— @mthabisi_mthire
Online Reporter