Chronicle Editor
Bongani Ndlovu, Showbiz Correspondent
ALL-female imbube/acapella group, Nobuntu, who have been on tour in America, are expected in the country this week for the launch of their third album titled, “Obabes beMbube.
In a field that is dominated by a plethora of male groups, Nobuntu have over the years carved out their own niche. As they return from a two-month tour of America, the group will on Saturday officially launch the album at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo.
The two-hour launch is expected to kick off at 2PM giving music lovers a chance to critic the album and ask questions.
The album, released two months ago, demonstrates a progression in the group’s sound as the music represents a bold shift from the previous works which featured a fusion of afro jazz, acapella, gospel and traditional folk tracks.
Although it’s a grouping of five different voices, Nobuntu gel to make up one beautiful voice. Some songs which stand out are the title track Obabes beMbube, which is really a celebratory song.
Here they brag about their prowess on the mic which is not far from the truth.
Another song to look out for is their famous Nobuntu Click Song which is the signature tune at most of their shows.
The song focuses on the vocal clicks in the Ndebele language.
In the same album, there is a touch of gospel as Nobuntu gives an old gospel song Amazing Grace an imbube touch.
The rest of the album is a journey of music melody with stories about Kindness (Umusa), Ubuntu, celebration and paying homage to culture that shapes their lives as women.
Notably, the album has minimal percussion instruments which may be their way to show people that Nobuntu is here to stay in the imbube genre.
derick.khumalo