Mkhululi Ncube, [email protected]
THE number 13 is associated with bad omens or good luck, depending on one’s belief system, but that was never an issue when Mxolisi “Mr Bones” Ndlovu recorded his latest album, which was released at the weekend.
Mr Bones took the first plunge among the big rhumba hitters, releasing his 13th studio album, Ilele Lamavukani, which was launched in Botswana’s capital, Gaborone, on Saturday.
With the festive season fast approaching, most of the genre’s big names are likely to follow in his footsteps, and the aim, as always, is to stay ahead of the pack.
Mr Bones’ new album features seven tracks, and only time will tell which one will carry the festive season for the Plumtree-born artiste.
The album, which was recorded at TK Studios, features respected bassist Obert Mvundla and long-serving lead guitarist Handsome Kamanga, with Maphios Munsanka, aka Mafingo, on drums. On rhythm guitar, Mr Bones relied on Achimwene, Mzansi and Tumelo Dube.
If social media engagement with the new album is anything to go by, Ungalahla Siyathatha is one of the potential hits, although it is still early days.
The song warns lovers that if they dump their partners, they may later regret the decision after seeing the person they left find new love and prosper in their new relationship.
On Sizobukela iBosso, Mr Bones joins a growing number of artistes who have dedicated songs to the black-and-white army, Highlanders.
The song will likely become a regular feature on Sunday roadshows to Barbourfields Stadium.
Other songs on the album include Dear Mavila, Abadala be Ndolwane SS, Zasezibalile Intuthwane and the only Kalanga track, Mweni We Bgwisa.
“The launch in Botswana went very well; we had some challenges with power but it did not dampen the mood of the people who came. This was our first time launching our album first in Botswana, so we cannot complain,” he said.
From Botswana, Mr Bones will bring the album back home, with a launch scheduled for Filabusi on Friday.
The launch will see Mr Bones share the stage with Insimbi ZeZhwane, Godolude and the Friendly Brothers, who appear to have formed a tag team as they continue supporting each other.
“On Friday we are bringing the album back home and fans will enjoy a great night of music. We will play a number of our new songs so that the fans get to test the album live, they will certainly enjoy this one,” he said.
Mr Bones said after the launch, he would take the album on tour around the country.
—@themkhust
