Insimbi ZeZhwane rock fans in Bulawayo

A BUMPER crowd thronged the Insimbi Zezhwane Show at Palace Gardens in Bulawayo on Friday night something which proved beyond doubt that the band’s tag of being the Rhumba band of the moment is no fluke.

By the time the group that is based in South Africa went on stage at around 11pm, the crowd was ready for them. They sang and danced along as the group belted their popular songs like GPS among many others.

The show’s host, without a doubt, made a killing from the event as the crowd kept swelling throughout the duo’s performance.

Insimbi ZeZhwane’s dancers thrilled fans on stage with their high-energy dances which they spiced up with various acting stints. Whistles and waving of hands by the appreciative fans were the order of the night as they visibly enjoyed the performance.

Surprise brief appearances were made by Abigail Mabuza and Godolude, adding to the excitement.

To show that Insimbi ZeZhwane meant business, they took a break and returned to the stage to continue belting out some of their hits till the early morning hours with their fans still dancing. Some who had one too many and could not keep up with the night were seen napping at the venue before going to look for transport to go home.

The audience had youthful and mature people showing that the group appeals to diverse crowds. Popular Skyz Metro FM presenter MaNurse Ndlovu led a number of Bulawayo scribes who attended the show.

The group’s bassist Meluleki “Brema” Moyo was pleased with the turnout.

“The turnout was unbelievable! It’s heart-warming to see that kind of support and that we filled the venue. Most of the shows that we’ve been hosting are being well-attended which is a huge confidence booster for us. It’s such kind of support that keeps us going and we wish we could have it every time and that there be no violence like what happened on Friday.

“If that happens everywhere we play, we’ll definitely take our music to great heights,” said the bassist.

Show host Keith Webster Ndiweni popularly known as DJ Kietho said the turnout was pleasing. He said the show was attended by about 1 600 fans.

He said Rhumba music has a big market in Bulawayo although a number of promoters are shunning the genre.

“Rhumba music has a very big market, but a few promoters are pushing the music. We want to change this so that there’s an appreciation of the genre. The band was the only act on the night and their popularity is big judging by the attendance.

“It makes sense to promote them like it’s done with artistes from outside Bulawayo,” DJ Keitho said.

The band which hails from Tsholotsho hosted four shows across three provinces – Matabeleland South, Matabeleland North and Bulawayo.

While they are good, there is still room for improvement in the group’s live performances to cement the love the fans have for them.