Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu recently in Pretoria, South Africa
WHEN Mpho Sebina – the first musician from Botswana to be invited to join the prestigious Recording Academy, which oversees the Grammy Awards – took to the stage at the recently held Music in Africa Conference for Collaborations, Exchange and Showcases (ACCES25) at 012 Centre in Pretoria, South Africa, her performance stood out for one reason: Ndabezinhle Collen Dumani-Mlalazi.
Known in music circles simply as NDABEZINHLE, he commanded the stage with chants, instrumental mastery and infectious energy that kept the audience on their feet. This electrifying moment at ACCES25 showcased him not merely as a consummate session musician, but as a formidable artistic force in his own right.
A multifaceted artiste – singer, producer, percussionist and backing vocalist – NDABEZINHLE’s sound is defined by rich musicianship and uplifting messages. Born at Lady Rodwell Hospital in Bulawayo, his name, always written in all caps as he prefers, symbolises strength and positivity in the music scene. His artistry blends global influences with deeply personal narratives, creating a sound that is both expansive and intimate.
Reflecting on his role as a sessionist for Mpho Sebina at ACCES25, NDABEZINHLE emphasised its significance for both his band and his personal journey:
“The Access experience was a big one for us as a band because we have been refining a lot about our delivery and we are working on developing more amazing experiences for the crowd each time we go on stage. As an individual man this really filled my Spirit. As an independent artiste the journey is long so some days bring so much light to the path I am already on. This was one of them for me. Getting that diverse crowd to enjoy the music with us was a lot of work for sure.”
His genre-defying style – a fusion of indie pop, hip-hop, soul, Afrobeat and cinematic elements – is no accident. It reflects a unique upbringing straddling Zimbabwe and Botswana, which shaped his percussive foundation and musical curiosity.
“My time growing up in Bulawayo exposed me to traditional music and made me appreciate the percussive sound. The intro to ZBC news still rings in my head as a percussive memory. Then the journey from Bulawayo to Gaborone was the truly developing part for me because my father would play different genres of music, Starting strong with Lovemore Majaivana and some amazing reggae music. Reggae gave me the bounce all 600km during the school holidays.
“Playing marimba at my primary school in Gaborone, then having learnt what we called ukugqula (drumming) on a bucket at Mzingwane High School. I was so intrigued by the sounds that the different bucket sizes brought, then I was transferred to Falcon College and there, I learnt how to play on the Jembe. That developed my deep love for deep bass sounds and very percussive drum patterns. These roots defined my direction.”
Navigating this rich tapestry of influences to forge a cohesive identity required confidence.
“Navigating this has taken a lot because I had to be very confident in my differences. I’m just different and I love that about my craft. I get to share my differences with other artistes and the world. It’s a truly amazing experience.”
Now based in Gaborone, NDABEZINHLE sees his dual heritage as a gift of adaptability and expression.
“I just really have this to say, I keep growing every day. That environment shaped me when it comes to adapting. Hence we can work on a new genre today and I can find a way to express my client well, and express myself well. It makes a huge difference. I get to find ways of expressing myself in IsiNdebele and Setswana. God really shaped my life in a way that the journey for me will always be about sharpening my spear and developing my ear.”
His reputation as a sought-after collaborator spans Botswana artistes like The Boys and Njoki Karu – whom he met at All Access – to international talents such as Ludovic in Cameroon and digital artist Vintage Mozart:
“Njoki Karu we actually met at the All Access event and we decided to collaborate moving forward. She is an amazing artiste that will continue giving us amazing pieces.”
These partnerships fuel his creative philosophy.
“The collaborations have been so diverse that I’m always expecting a curve ball from artistes that record with me. That challenge alone fuels my eagerness to learn what else my music can bring for me.”
Working across African regions and artistic mediums, including scoring for digital art, has expanded his expressive range.
“My expressions have grown ever since the first time I worked with these artistes. This space to express the African approach to life has been the best reward on this journey for me.”
Beyond technical prowess and genre fusion, NDABEZINHLE’s music is driven by a profound desire to communicate and heal:
“My solo work speaks volumes because sometimes I genuinely hear God responding to some of the questions and experiences through the music. Some ideas only make sense when I’m near completing the project or a whole while later, when I have gone through an experience which will bring me to listen again, and meaning finds me.”
His motivation is clear.
“I write to heal my fellow brothers and sisters. That we may pay attention to each other through the vibes, instrumentals and melodies. What a blend of sound we get to experience.”
As his artistry gains wider recognition, NDABEZINHLE harbours a strong desire to return to his birthplace.
“As soon as I can get booked in Zimbabwe I am landing!!! That would be such an experience for me. Since my solo performing career is starting, I would really like to grow in performance and experience.”
And after the energy of the stage or studio? His winding-down ritual reflects his constant creative flow.
“After a busy day I really like to wind down and make a slow groove type of song, reflect on the day I’ve had, and prepare for the following one. Then a bug to create something usually kicks in and I end up doing something there.”
From bucket drums at Mzingwane High to commanding the stage alongside Sebina at ACCES25, NDABEZINHLE embodies the collaborative, evolving spirit of contemporary African music. His giant sound, rooted in deep traditions and a healing message, is poised for even greater resonance on the global stage.
Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
