adminThe six-member group, led by Oscar Siziba, which has redefined its genre as isicathamiya music, serenaded Gokwe villagers when they performed at Kesia village in Nyaje area during a field day organised by Seedco.
In an interview soon after performing, Siziba said he found the Bindura-based group in 2001 and would perform at traditional ceremonies in Matabeleland and Midlands provinces.
“We are from Matabeleland but we are based in Bindura. I assembled the group in 2001 when we were still teenagers,” he said.
Siziba said the group had achieved a lot in the music industry for the past 11 years.
“We recently were afforded an opportunity by Zaoga (Forward in Faith Mission) Church to accompany Prophet Eunah Guti in touring Southern Africa. We have been to Malawi, Zambia and South Africa. We once performed for President Robert Mugabe in Victoria Falls and at Joshua Nkomo International Airport,” he said.
Siziba said the group has five albums to its name since they emerged in 2001. “We only started recording in 2003. Some of the albums that we have recorded include Umhlaba Uyajikajika in 2003, Uhlaleleni in 2004, Zimbabwe in 2004, Ngeke Hluleke in 2005 and uNomalanga in 2006,” he said.
Siziba said the group was on a mission preaching peace and unity in Zimbabwe.
“We are from Matabeleland but we are based in Bindura. This shows that as Zimbabweans we must be united and be able to live together peacefully regardless of tribe, race or creed. We are one family,” he said.
Other Impumelelo group members are Themalani Ndlovu, Mduduzi Moyo, Kwanele Moyo, Innocent Sibanda and Njabulo Moyo.
Impumelelo has a forthcoming album which will be recorded in South Africa. The album is set to be released in August.
The band’s songs are both in English and Ndebele.
However, Siziba said they are looking forward to composing some of their songs in Shona.
Online Reporter
Londile Moyo