Online Reporter
Mkhululi Ncube, Zimpapers Entertainment and Arts Hub
AS expected, it was a full house, with hundreds of fans turned away at the launch of Giya Mkolekelwa, rhumba artiste Mxolisi “Mr Bones” Ndlovu’s 11th studio album.
The launch, held on Saturday night at Baseline in Johannesburg, South Africa, cemented Mr Bones’ status as one of the genre’s leading figures.
The six-track project had been eagerly anticipated by fans, and the overwhelming turnout reflected just how influential the Faka Two hitmaker has become. Known for his savvy use of social media to promote his music, Mr Bones’ marketing efforts paid off with a packed venue and impressive album sales.
While fans will ultimately decide how the new project ranks among his previous work, the track Bambani Intombi Zenu is already tipped to become a major festive season hit.
True to form, Mr Bones once again led the way with an early release — a strategy that has become his trademark.
The album is also among the first to be produced at TK Studios since its relocation from South Africa to Bulawayo earlier this year, a move expected to elevate the professional quality of rhumba production in Zimbabwe.
“The launch went very well. Our only challenge was the electricity at the start of the show, but everything else was smooth. I didn’t realise how much people love me. I felt sorry because many had to go back home after the venue proved too small,” Mr Bones told Zimpapers Entertainment and Arts Hub.
Giya Mkolekelwa offers a rich blend of messages and rhythms designed to resonate with a wide audience. Lizangibonga Ngo January encourages families to cherish time together before tragedy forces them to reunite. Kumele Ihlale Iginyile is a cautionary tale about the dangers of toxic relationships and the threat of gender-based violence.
On the title track, Mr Bones declares himself “untouchable”, ready to defend his achievements against any threats. Awakho Sekho Amageja takes a spiritual turn, serving as a heartfelt prayer for divine intervention in the lives of hard-working people.
Gunyu Gugutu celebrates the Kalanga people, their hospitality and wisdom, using the proverb “a big chunk of meat can only be cooked in a big pot” — a metaphor for how great minds accomplish great things.
Mr Bones also shines a spotlight on his talented guitarists, giving them space to showcase their artistry and creating a balance between vocals and instrumentation.
Following the Johannesburg launch, Mr Bones will take the album to Cape Town this coming weekend before staging a homecoming launch in Bulawayo on 25 October.
With Giya Mkolekelwa now setting the pace, the pressure is on for other rhumba heavyweights and emerging acts to deliver strong releases for the 2025 calendar. — @themkhust
derick.khumalo