adminPeter Matika Senior Leisure Reporter
SUNGURA music has over the past few years gained a significant following across the country, with names in Matabeleland South such as Martin “Ndolwane” Sibanda, Ndux Junior and Chase Skuza extensively commercialising the genre. With the growing demand of the music, mostly in Matabeleland, it comes as no surprise to learn of the arrival of another group that seeks to add its name to the genre and popularise the music.
Hailing from the border town of Plumtree, where the music originates is Mlambos Express Band, which seeks to penetrate the industry.
With more than 17 000 hits on YouTube and at least 5 000 fans on Facebook, the band is undoubtedly destined to conquer the genre.
After being based in South Africa for the past years and holding a number of sold out shows there, the group is keen on resettling in Zimbabwe to promote the genre.
The group, comprising eight members all hailing from Plumtree has been on a tour since December 2014 and say they are keen on settling in Zimbabwe, where they have already established links with sungura music giant Aleck Macheso and Afro Jazz sensation Selmor Mtukudzi.
The group’s manager Khulumani Mlotshwa said the group had shared the stage with Macheso while in South Africa during a live show sometime last year.
“So far they are on the right path and are working towards settling in Zimbabwe. They have shared the stage with Macheso, while performing in Free State and they are keen on working with him again for an album. They are currently on a tour and have had many successful shows, that is why they are keen on settling in Zimbabwe,” said Mlotshwa.
Mlambos Express band has so far performed in Plumtree, Lupane, Madlambuzi, Filabusi and Mthwakazi leisure centre.
“The tour has been going on very well and is expected to come to an end soon. The end of the tour will determine whether they stay in Zimbabwe or not. As things stand at the moment they are keen on resettling here. It is tough to promote their music in foreign land as there are very few people that understand the language. On the bright side of things they have managed to fuse their genre of music with Rhumba and it is seemingly growing and is very popular among their fans,” said Mlotshwa.
He added that their CDs and other souvenirs will be available as soon as possible.
“Their music is available on CD and DVD. We will also be distributing t-shirts and other memorabilia as soon as they settle down,” he said.
To date they have six albums to their name.
Online Reporter