adminBongani Ndlovu Showbiz Correspondent
THREE-member Imbube group, Insingizi, has come a long way from a dream by high school buddies in the 1980s at Sobukazi High in Bulawayo to releasing albums, touring Europe and settling there.
With six albums and a Radio France World Music award under their belt, the group, made up of Ramadu Moyo, Vusi Mkhaya Ndlovu and Blessings Nqo Nkomo, has aged like wine.
Inspired by South Africa’s Lady Smith Black Mambazo and Zimbabwe’s Black Umfolosi, Insingizi released three albums Sekukade, (1996), Sihlale Sonke (1996) and Sengikhumbula (1997) before they left Bulawayo in 1997 to study Music Theory in Austria.
A few years later in 1999, they released their fourth album Bridges.
It was then that their fortune changed for the better after releasing their first international album — Voices of Southern Africa Vol 1 specifically targeting the international market. Over 250,000 copies of that album were sold. Buoyed by the sales of their fifth album, the trio released another album Voices of Southern Africa Vol 2 in 2009 which also fared well on the market.
After about six years riding on the success of Voices of Southern Africa Vol 1 and 2, Insingizi has a new offering — African Harmonies which they describe as a tribute to their fans for the support they have given them for the past 28 years.
“African Harmonies is dedicated to our friends and fans who have supported us from day one,” said Ndlovu.
He said the album was a vocal journey through issues facing modern Zimbabweans.
“African Harmonies includes songs of celebration and advice to political leaders to guide them on the path to positive change. One of the songs, Imilayo is a gentle plea to children to stay away from bad influence and wrong crowds,” said Ndlovu.
“Aids is a deadly epidemic touched on the song, Sugar Daddy. It urges parents to teach children to respect and take care of themselves in order for them to live healthy lives without contracting the deadly disease.”
The album is expected to be released next month through global music brand ARC Music.
It will be available at 10th District Studios in Bulawayo.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter