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Langalakhe Mabena
ON 1 June, Amaqaqa hosted a successful Imbube event at the Bulawayo Theatre which saw numerous Imbube ensembles taking to the stage.
Themed “Our Roots: Imbali Yakwethu Music Show,” the event was graced by Imbube groups including Amaqaqa, Great Stars Ijongosi, Udonsi Lwaba Postoli, Ufasimba from Gwanda, Incitshi Zomculo, Ikhwezi Lokusa, as well as Maskandi musician Ishozi Elihle.
The gig also saw Sotja Moyo from Black Umfolosi as the special guest, with Jeys Marabini and Nomashawekazi Damasane as speakers. Khulekani Mkandla from Amaqaqa, who was also one of the organisers of the event said they were happy that the event went on smoothly as planned.
“We hosted a successful event at the weekend which was meant to celebrate and cultivate Imbube music and our culture. We invited a number of groups both established and up and coming ensembles, so that they could share the stage with the greats and learn from them. The gig was sold out, a sign that Imbube music has a following and an impact on people’s lives. We are grateful to those who supported us through different means for this event to be successful,” said Mkandla.
With the event clashing with Bulawayo Day celebrations which were held at the Large City Hall carpark, Mkandla said they felt side-lined as the Imbube genre was not part of the ongoing Bulawayo Arts Festival (BAF).
“This was not a counter show for the ongoing BAF festivities because we had planned the event way back. But we feel side-lined that Imbube ensembles were not invited to be part of BAF. “BAF is all about celebrating culture and our artistry and as such, you can’t talk about traditional music without mentioning Imbube. So to us it doesn’t make sense that there is no Imbube event at BAF.
“A lot of musicians can be traced to Imbube including our very own Jeys Marabini. I think it’s time for Bulawayo to recognise Imbube because it is the pride of our culture as people and a genre that identifies Bulawayo,” said Mkandla.
Online Reporter