adminNkululeko Nkala
Imbube used to be big business in Bulawayo, if not the country. The turn of the millennium saw massive competition between Black Umfolosi, Imbizo, uGodlwayo Omnyama, Umdumo WeSizwe, White Umfolosi , AmaZulu, Sunduza and Insingizi Emnyama among the visible ones.
Of those, about half were already globe-trotting and the competition was birthing quality sounds.
Unfortunately, the economy was not good for most of the groups. I can safely say, for a while Imbube qualified for endangered species protection.
Today, Imbube groups are on a comeback. Impumelelo Shining Stars (ISS) so far is the most consistent of them.
Please note Black Umfolosi, Umdumo Wesizwe and the now foreign based Imbizo are still in existence. However, the past few months have seen the rise ofA� Great Stars and Impumelelo Shining Stars.
It is no joke that Impumelelo Shining Stars celebrated their 15th anniversary on 7 May at a lavish event at Inyathi Youth Centre in Mpopoma.
In attendance was the business community, Jeys Marabini, Sotsha Moyo, Tommick Dube, Matesu Dube, Costa Ncube(founder), Trust Madolo of the Bhatshi fame, Witness Tavarwisa of Bambelela and William Nyandoro to name a few of the high profile attendees on the day.
Beginning the proceedings was Lobengula-based Man of Influence who are coached by Impumelelo Shining Stars.
One could tell from their harmonies that they have a good mentor. Their only weakness will be on microphones as they evidently lacked experience. But they convinced this writer that imbube is safe with their sweet harmonies.
There were three other acts that performed, namely Iluba LeMvelo, Ezimnyama and Caroline Phiri- they never set a wrong step.
There is a group from Nkulumane called Great Stars, their harmonies are nothing short of amazing.
They will be kings of Imbube one day, but for now they can argue to be in the top three.
Their a�?Cristiano Ronaldoa�? is the lead vocalist, he has an infectious smile and an amazing lead voice to go with it.
Some Black Umfolosi members were in the crowd and they were invited on stage. What came out of the four voices, my word, shocked everyone!
In most ensembles imbube music is sung in five parts. Lead, bass, baritone, tenor and alto. These guys were just four!
Black Umfolosi deserved a standing ovation and they got just that- amazing guys.
To cap the day was the harmonious Impumelelo Shining Stars. They took revellers through a music journey chronicling their hits from 2001.
They are launching their latest album in a few weeks in Bulawayo. Eight albums later, Impumelelo are going strong under the experienced management and leadership of manager Christian Sibanda and leader Oscar Siziba.
Online Reporter