Online Reporter
Mkhululi Ncube
ONE of the godfathers of rhumba music, Martin “The Big Boss” Sibanda, has announced his return with a fourth solo album, set for release on August 1.
The news, first shared via a video on his official Facebook page, has sparked excitement throughout the rhumba community. Fans, long eager for fresh material from the iconic Bakhuzeni hit-maker, quickly took to the comments section in celebration.
Speaking from his base in South Africa, Sibanda shared a few details about the upcoming project.
“The new album is ready and coming on August 1. We’ll have a show at the Victory Theatre in Johannesburg. Ibhodo selivuthiwe, clean your plates and spoons,” Sibanda told fans.
He said listeners should expect a quality, educational and entertaining offering, as always.
“I didn’t feature anyone, this is The Big Boss undiluted. It’s a five-track album: four songs in isiNdebele and one in TjiKalanga.”
Sibanda added that more information, including the album title and tracklist, will be shared in due course. Following the Johannesburg launch, he plans to embark on a series of performances in Zimbabwe, to promote the release.
Known for his commanding vocals and magnetic stage presence, The Big Boss rose to fame during the golden era of Ndolwane Super Sounds, a group that helped define the cross-border rhumba sound. Since the group’s bitter split, however, Sibanda’s musical output has been relatively low-key, leading some fans to wonder whether his best days were behind him.
With this comeback, though, Sibanda is proving that legends never fade — they simply recharge.
Among his solo works, Bakhuzeni remains a fan favourite, with hit after hit, securing his status as a heavyweight in the genre. His other albums include Konke Sizokulungisa and Uyavuma, along with several popular singles released over the years.
@themkhust
