Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena [email protected]
SOUTH Africa-based Afro-Jazz musician Otis Ngwabi has returned to Bulawayo, a year after the death of Babongile Sikhonjwa, as he seeks to pay homage to his late mentor while paving the way for a homecoming show set for December.
Ngwabi, who recently held an intimate unplugged session at Three Daughters, was one of the many artists mentored by the multi-talented Sikhonjwa over the years, emerging as one of the most talented voices in the urban grooves movement.
For Ngwabi, the return to Bulawayo, which almost coincides with the anniversary of Sikhonjwa’s death, is an emotional one, as he vividly recalls penning the lyrics to his smash hit song, Ndiwe, while sitting in the late radio personality’s yellow Datsun.
The song, written in such unlikely circumstances, would go on to stamp Ngwabi’s name in Zimbabwean music history.
“Returning to Bulawayo feels emotional because this city made me. This is where I wrote my first song, Ndiwe, in my late mentor Babongile Sikhonjwa’s yellow Datsun, and went on to record it at Kat House Studio.
This is where Albert Nyathi also mentored me,” he said.
Ngwabi, who is in Bulawayo for a week, said he wanted to use the opportunity to pay his respects to Sikhonjwa.
“I will also utilise this time to visit family and pay respects to my late mentor Babongile Sikhonjwa’s family. Bulawayo needs more than a fly-in, fly-out because I wish to do a lot of things, but time won’t permit everything,” he said.
Ngwabi said he held the intimate unplugged session at Three Daughters as a way of testing the waters ahead of his planned return. The musician said he had been encouraged to come back by fans who have been calling for his homecoming.
During the session, Ngwabi performed songs from his catalogue, including Ndiwe, Molo Ntombi, Amalobolo, Enhlizweni Yami and Uhambo Lwami. He also used the intimate gathering to showcase his latest extended play, Amalobolo.
“Being away in Mzansi for a while taught me a lot, but coming home always grounds me. The show I hosted at Three Daughters was a way of retesting the local Afro-Jazz audience before hosting my official homecoming in December,” said Ngwabi.
Ngwabi said he also intends to use his brief stay to work with local musicians and producers as part of efforts to contribute to the city’s creative sector.
“I won’t stay too long in Bulawayo as my main base is in Mzansi. But in the few days I will be in the city, I want to make them productive.
“I want to spend time in the studio with local artistes and music producers such as Nashville at Rock Up Studio, Sikhosana Buhlungu, Cammelita and other music colleagues.”
Looking ahead to his planned December homecoming show, Ngwabi said he was open to working with local promoters and sponsors to make the event a reality.
“As I plan ahead of my official homecoming event, my doors are open to work with local people because I am not here to compete, I am here to contribute.
“If there are promoters, sponsors or young artistes who want to work, let’s talk. The idea is to build Bulawayo’s Afro-Jazz scene together, maturely and professionally,” he said.
Ngwabi said details of the homecoming show, including the date and venue, would be announced on his official social media platforms once arrangements are finalised.
