adminVictoria Falls Reporter
NAMA award winning Victoria Falls-based poet Obert Dube is set to land recording deals with South African recording companies after his invitation to perform at a maskandi star-studded memorial service for the late Bhekumuzi Luthuli. An ardent follower of the late singer’s music, Lupane-born Dube has set his eyes on the occasion after being promised recording deals if he performs well as recording companies will be there scouting for talent.
The show dubbed Umcimbi Wokukhumbula Iqhawe is slated for September 6, in Johannesburg and Dube said he will leave the country on September 1, to meet organisers.
“They asked me to send a sample CD and they were impressed. The organisers told me there are benefits for performing at the show as there are recording companies that can start recording my work,” said Dube, a former teacher.
He said he grew up imitating the late maskandi guru Luthuli as his role model and performing at his memorial service would bring a new challenge and an environment critical for his betterment as an artiste.
“Ukuhamba kuzala inkosi and I look forward to the show. I grew up imitating Luthuli and this is a chance for me to show the world there is talent in Zimbabwe as I promise to raise the country’s flag higher,” said Dube.
He challenged other artistes to work hard to realise their dreams.
“As an artiste if you are not invited to perform at any event it means you are not doing anything. I am going there to face new challenges as well as sharing what I have as an artiste in terms of culture and also breaking new markets,” he said.
Dube said the organisers have confirmed two slots for him where he will rub shoulders with South Africa’s great maskandi musicians — Ihhashi Elimhlophe, Shwi noMthekhala, Phuzekhemisi, Thokozani Langa, Joseph Tshabalala of Maqondana fame, Luthuli’s son Madlanduna who now leads his late father’s band and another product of Luthuli’s band, Abafana BakaMolo together with unsung Zimbabwean Tsholotsho-born Izinja Ziyamluma.
He said: “I have to perform at my best so I can make a mark. I am meant to recite two of my poems from the album Isithandwa Sami and the other one would be a praise eulogy for the late Luthuli.”
Luthuli died at the age of 48, four years ago after releasing more than 20 albums.
Online Reporter