Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]
MATOBO-born and Bulawayo-based Tshibilika/Rhumba musician and skitman Kholisani Ncube, popularly known as Maqed’imbuzi Ikhehla Lodumo, is savouring a career milestone after collaborating with fellow musician Mandlenkosi “Godolude” Mpofu on their recently released single, “Unity.”
Released earlier this month, the song marks a significant moment for Maqed’imbuzi, who regards Godolude as a role model whose music career and personal values have inspired him.
“It was a pleasure working with Godolude. He is a talented and respected artiste,” said Maqed’imbuzi, describing his collaborator as a role model rooted in the spirit of Ubuntu.
The collaboration brings together two musicians whose journeys reflect different stages of growth within the Tshibilika/Rhumba genre, with Maqed’imbuzi continuing to establish his identity as a musician and comedian.
Maqed’imbuzi began his music career in 2013 with “Umenza”, which he recorded with the Malunga Brothers Band.
He followed it up with “Inhlonipho” in 2015, laying the foundation for his subsequent work in the genre.
However, his artistic journey took another turn in 2021 when he decided to diversify his creative portfolio by incorporating comedy into his performances.
The move drew on a familiar feature of Tshibilika music, where humour, everyday experiences and storytelling often complement the music.
Maqed’imbuzi has used this approach to develop a distinctive performance style that combines musical entertainment with comedic narratives rooted in his old-timer alter-ego.
One of his most popular songs, “URasta”, demonstrates this ability to turn everyday situations into humorous musical stories.
In the song, he recounts how he and his friends messed up a lobola procession, using the mishap as the basis for a comedic narrative.
The blend of music and humour has become an important part of his artistic identity, allowing him to explore the storytelling tradition associated with the genre while broadening his appeal as an entertainer.
Following the release of “Unity”, Maqed’imbuzi is already looking towards his next project, with plans to release another single, “Insima”, before the end of the year.
The planned release is expected to maintain the momentum generated by his latest collaboration as he continues working on new material.
Meanwhile, Godolude’s own journey offers an example of gradual progression within the Tshibilika/Rhumba music scene, providing context for the admiration he commands among fellow musicians.
He began his entertainment career in 2011 as a dancer with Clement Magwaza before joining Mlambos Express Band in 2013, where he remained until 2016.
In 2017, he returned to Magwaza’s outfit, “Macrey Super Sounds, working there for another year before taking a decisive step towards independence.
In 2018, he established his own group, Godolude and Friendly Brothers Band aka EzeEnergy, marking a new chapter in his career as he pursued his vision as a bandleader and recording artiste.
Since then, he has released music, including, “Yala Bhambadzi (Isibindi seliqour)”, further establishing his presence in the genre.
For Maqed’imbuzi, working alongside an artiste whose career he has followed and admired represents more than the release of a new song. It is also an opportunity to share the creative space with someone whose journey has helped shape his understanding of the industry. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
