Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube, [email protected]
THE Matojeni Melomaniacs continue to position themselves as cultural ambassadors, using traditional performance to connect with international audiences and promote Zimbabwean heritage.
The Afrocentric group has previously toured Austria, Italy, the Czech Republic and Switzerland, and is now preparing for another tour between June and October this year, with performances scheduled in Austria, the Czech Republic and Italy.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Gugulethu Sibanda said their experiences abroad have shown the universal appeal of music, even across language and cultural barriers.
“The experience of travelling so far away, doing what we love has shown us that anything is possible… audiences don’t understand our language and our culture, but they still enjoy our performance and get really emotional,” Sibanda said.
“This has made us more confident, knowing that language transcends all barriers and we can communicate with anyone and tell our story through our music.”
Sibanda said fans can expect new music from the group, which will first be shared during live performances.
“We’re working on new songs, which people will most likely get a sample of, live on stage, before they are officially released,” she said.
The group’s growing international profile has also led to a collaboration with Austrian theatre and music director Stefan Ebner, who is in Bulawayo to work with the ensemble.
“We thought it was just a passing interest and were surprised and excited when our manager informed us that he was indeed coming to Bulawayo to work with us,” Sibanda said.
Ebner said he needed to immerse himself in the group’s environment to create authentic work.
“In order to create something authentic, I needed and wanted to experience the group at home and not only see but also feel their individual life experiences,” he said.
While details of the collaboration are still under wraps, Sibanda said the process has been smooth.
“We haven’t faced any challenges thus far because the aim is to accommodate each other and create a work of art we can all be proud to call our own,” she said.
She added that the group remains focused on its core mission.
“The theme will always remain the same: sharing the beauty and vibrancy of our culture.”
Sibanda said international collaborations are key to widening their reach and preserving cultural heritage.
“Collaborations like this bring greater awareness to our work and further advance our cause to preserve and promote our culture,” she said.
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. This will be their third international tour since formation in 2023.
