Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube, Sunday Life Reporter
FAST-RISING cultural ensemble Matojeni Melo-Maniacs are set to stage a special farewell show in Bulawayo next month as they prepare for their European tour between June and October this year, with performances scheduled in Austria, the Czech Republic and Italy.
Group member Gugulethu Sibanda described the event as a homecoming celebration and a practical step to support their journey abroad.
The group will host the ‘Matojeni Farewell Show: Siyofik’ eLondon’ in the city on June 28, giving local audiences a final chance to experience what they describe as the “Matojeni magic” before they leave the country.
Sibanda said the farewell performance has been a long time coming.
“We realised that since the inception of Matojeni in 2023, we have not done our own show here at home. We’ve performed alongside other artistes here and there, but never as just us.
“So we felt it was important and it was about time for us to properly introduce ourselves and give our local audience a taste of the Matojeni magic that we’ve been sharing on international stages.
“Also, since we’re travelling so far away from home, it’s necessary to cushion ourselves against the expenses we will incur during our travels.”
She said Bulawayo was a natural choice for the send-off, given its strong support for local creatives. Although the show title references London, Sibanda clarified the group’s actual travel plans.
“We are not actually going to London, we are going to various parts of Europe, which in local terms, people just refer to as London or the UK,” she said with a laugh.
She added that the playful title is also inspired by their latest release.
“It’s also a reference to our latest release which has the lyrics ‘thina siyofik’kanjani eLondon ngenyawo khona kukhatshana kangaka’. People need to buy tickets for our show or else, how will we get there?” she said.
Sibanda said fans should expect a full cultural experience on stage.
“They can expect the Matojeni magic, which is an experience that can only be understood by those who have seen it for themselves. In Europe, we always share our local traditional songs, which we give a modern twist by adding guitar and our very own Matojeni feel with percussion and beautiful three-part harmonies.
“We’ll continue with these and also add our own compositions, old and new, which tell stories about our cultural practices like amalobolo, our traditional dances like isitshikitsha, and how we greet people and make them feel welcome in our local languages.
“We also tell stories about the hills of Matopo where we have the iNjelele Sacred Shrine where rain-making ceremonies were performed.”
Reflecting on their international tours, Sibanda said the experience has been humbling. This upcoming tour will be their third.
“Being able to consistently share our craft with international audiences since our group’s formation in 2023 is in itself a huge achievement, for which we are very grateful to God, who has given us this opportunity to travel the world doing what we love.”
She also expressed gratitude to local supporters.
“Our message for Bulawayo is thank you for the love and support you’ve shown us. The love we’ve received wherever we perform here has been so humbling and much appreciated, hence the decision to do this show before our tour.”
MMM is made up of five versatile artistes, Thandeka Patricia “Thandy Dhlana” Jele, Gugulethu “Gugue” Sibanda, Cheryl Mabaya, Mthabisi Moyo, and Bekezela “Sjure” Siziba, whose combined talents bring a culturally rich and cohesive performance style.
