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Langalakhe Mabena
Globetrotting all-female imbube ensemble Nobuntu have wrapped up their European tour which saw them performing in various stages in Poland, Austria as well as Germany from 9 May to 5 June.
The ensemble began their tour with a performance at the Voices of Spirit International Choir Festival on 9 to 10 May in Graz, Austria. They ended the tour with an appearance at the Burghausen with Paul Zauner in Germany on 5 June.
In between the tour, they had a chance to perform at the Jazz Festival Passau at Café Museum, Pfarrsaal Hauzenberg with Paul Zauner (both events in Germany). They also performed at the Palm Jazz Festival in Poland, among other events.
On the tour, Nobuntu performed a couple of their fresh tracks including Qina, Not Yet Uhuru, Nanguya, Mhondoro, as well as Bill Withers’ song Lean On Me — a classic chorus about support for each other during difficult times.
On the cover song, Nobuntu did a rendition of the much-needed message (from Bill’s original composition) that strengthens the bond between people.
Zanele Manhenga from Nobuntu said one of the key songs they belted out on the tour was Black Tax, a gem that encourages people to take care of their parents back home.
“Traditionally in our culture, parents and grandparents are taken care of by their children. It’s a duty and an honour to be able to take care of your parents regardless of your circumstances.
However, in the past years, because of cultural integration some people feel burdened to take care of their loved ones and they call it “Black Tax”. We as Nobuntu say there is no such thing as black tax. People have to be glad that they can take care of their parents,” said Manhenga.
On a sad note, Nobuntu acknowledged that they started the tour on a sad note as they staged their first gig without their usual costume and instruments due to the fact that all their luggage went missing at the airport.
Nobuntu, is an all-female Acapella quartet from Zimbabwe comprising Duduzile Sibanda, Zanele Manhenga, Joyline Ncube and Thandeka Moyo.
The group drew international acclaim for its inventive performances that range from traditional Zimbabwean songs to Afro Jazz to Gospel.
The ensemble’s concerts are performed with pure voices, augmented by minimalistic percussion, traditional instruments such as the mbira (thumb piano) and organic, authentic dance movements.
Online Reporter