Mkhululi Ncube [email protected]
TWO of the region’s popular bands, Insimbi ZeZhwane and Mlambos Express Band, are set to get fans into the festive mood with album launch shows in Bulawayo and Plumtree today.
Insimbi ZeZhwane will launch its latest album, Imbovane, at Esibayeni in Bulawayo, where it will be joined by some of the leading names in the rhumba genre. Meanwhile, Mlambos Express Band will take its latest offering, Omalalakhona, to Dingumuzi Beerhall in Plumtree.
Both bands launched their albums in South Africa over the past week, with Insimbi ZeZhwane presenting Imbovane and Mlambos Express Band unveiling Omalalakhona.
The Bulawayo show will feature Mxolisi “Mr Bones” Ndlovu, Godolude and Zinjaziyamluma, giving fans an opportunity to enjoy performances from different acts under one roof.
Also on the line-up is SaMaNgwe, while Mlambos Express Band will feature Clement Magwaza, who is also promoting his latest album, Nhliziyo Emhlophe.
With the festive season fast approaching, the two shows offer a taste of what fans can expect from the local music scene in the coming weeks.
Insimbi ZeZhwane’s Imbovane features tracks such as iView Once, Imbewu, Umlahlankosi, Imbolisamahlanga, Amadlelandawonye and Ilegacy.
Meanwhile, Omalalakhona includes Abantu Bayakhuluma, Ingoqela, Makhulikhanda, Swelokwakhe Number 10, Iziqondiso and Nsikidzi Mbuya.
Insimbi ZeZhwane band leader Meluleki “Brema” Moyo urged fans in Bulawayo and across Matabeleland to support the launch.
“The South African launch went very well and we received massive support. Some people even paid more than the set price when buying the new album.
“We urge fans in Bulawayo and across Matabeleland who can make it to come and enjoy the show with us,” he said.
In a video posted on his Facebook page, performer Godolude also encouraged fans to attend, saying the presence of several acts with new music would make for an exciting show.
“We urge fans to come in their numbers and support local talent. It will be electric because all the bands have new albums. We urge you to come and enjoy some ukudla kwamehlo,” he said.
Mxolisi “Mr Bones” Ndlovu said his band was already in the festive mood, with a busy performance schedule lined up.
He added that the group continued to evolve and had some surprises in store for fans.
“We are now in the festive mood and have already lined up shows until January 1 next year. We have very few free dates, which shows that we are working extra hard.
“Our new album is doing very well and fans are enjoying it. We will definitely perform songs from it tomorrow,” he said.
Maskandi musician Zinjaziyamluma will add a different flavour to the Bulawayo show, catering for fans of the traditional South African genre. Now performing with a live band, he promises an engaging experience for his followers.
Meanwhile, SaMaNgwe said his group was ready to entertain fans in Plumtree.
“On Saturday, if you are not at Dingumuzi Beerhall, you will certainly miss out. As I always say, Umdala ngumudala bafana, I will show fans what I mean through my vocals, dance moves and guitar playing.
“We will perform both our new and old songs as we usher fans into the festive season,” he said.
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