Bongani Ndlovu
Mkhululi Ncube, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
WITH this year’s National Independence Day Celebrations set to be held in Matabeleland South, Rhumba artistes from the province are looking forward to being among performers on the main stage and at the Gala.
The celebrations will be held in Maphisa, Matobo District, with various legacy projects underway to leave a lasting impression in communities.
Rhumba musician Ndux Junior, who hails from Kezi, says the development is a great opportunity for local artists to showcase their talent to the whole country.
“The hosting of the Independence Day celebrations in Maphisa will uplift communities, and to us as artistes, it is a great opportunity to be part of these celebrations. It makes us feel proud, and we are ready to participate. I also urge our youths to embrace the job opportunities that come with hosting such a national event,” he said.
Ndux Junior, who is a former member of the Air Force of Zimbabwe said the province produced a number of national heroes such as the late Vice President Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo, hence the befitting owner for the province to host the Independence celebrations.
Fiselani Ngwenya, who leads Mlambos Express band, said they are counting on the event to showcase their talent.
“As a band, we are ready to participate once again because this is part of our job, and it will be an honour for us to be part of the artists in the province to entertain the masses.
“We have a number of songs that align with such events, and we have played some of them during provincial celebrations with much admiration from the crowds,” said SaMangwe as the lanky musician is affectionately known.
Ngwenya and Mlambos are some of the best outstanding live performers in the Rhumba genre with a rich catalogue that is common among the masses.
One of the most sought-after artistes in the genre, Mxolisi Mr Bones Ndlovu who won the Outstanding Tshibilika Act at the recently held Bulawayo Arts Awards (BAA), said it will be an honour to be part of the line-up.
“I have never played at a Gala, and if given a chance, people will see what we do best. We have a lot of fans across the country, and with the event being televised, people will have an opportunity to see our live set,” said the Giya Mkolekelwa singer.
Livewire in stage performances, Godolude said the event presents an opportunity of a lifetime for artistes in the province.
He said while it will be a national event, which will have a national outlook, local artistes have to take the opportunity seriously, as they will be entertaining guests from different parts of the country.
“As a band, we have built our name on stage, and those who have seen us on stage can attest to what we do. Our fingers are crossed that we will be part of the artistes on the day. Our 2025 album is doing very well, and it will be a good time to play some of the songs live,” said Godolude.
Other Rhumba artists from Matabeleland South province include Mcebisi Mlilo who leads Amathonga Amahle Brothers, Dubia Masters, Clement Magwaza, Modius Chauke, Martin and Ndolwane Super Sounds and Chase Skuza, among others.
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