adminShowbiz Correspondent
Kupenya Stars, the sungura outfit that sends its message through lyrics weaved in three vernacular languages, is slowly but surely proving to be a force to reckon with in the music industry.
The group which sings in Kalanga, Ndebele and Shona is cutting through the ethnic divide, which in many cases confines musicians to a limited number of fans.
Some, at the mention of the group’s name wonder, who are Kupenya Stars, but most people familiar with CoFasshion Pop-UP, Intwasa Arts Festival and Ibumba International Festival of the Arts, testify that the sungura outfit is no stranger to huge events.
Hailing from New Lobengula in Bulawayo, the eight-member group which had for the past two years tried to qualify for the Chibuku Road to Fame national finals, finally clinched that title at the weekend, after putting a sterling performance at the Manor Hotel.
But what makes them different from other sungura outfits? The group believes it is the uniqueness of their sound which they have defined as an African energetic rhythm.
“The sound of Kupenya Stars is frantic, urgent, rhythmic and pulsating. It’s a sound brewed in an African world music pot. It’s one of fast, melodious and tingling guitar melodies; frenetic drumming and jubilant vocals narrating township dreams of a better day,” said the group’s manager Kudzayi Chikomo.
Chikomo added that their music is further distinguished by a unique sungura pattern.
“The music carries a pattern called sungura which is really a variation of kanindo,” he said.
Chikomo said the group’s name came from how they view the future.
“The name Kupenya means “shining.” We’re shining stars with one of our unique selling points being our multi-ethnicity.”
Online Reporter