Chronicle Editor
Mkhululi Ncube, Showbiz Reporter
RHUMBA fans who will this week attend Martin “The Big Boss” Sibanda’s live show in South Africa are in for a surprise as Obert “Obija” Vundla, the man who defined the Ndolwane Super Sounds bass beat will be playing alongside The Big Boss.
The show that has been slated for Saturday will be held in Klieprivier, Midvaal, a town which is 52kms from Johannesburg. It will feature South African Maskandi artiste, Khuzani.
Vundla took a sabbatical from music to concentrate on practising as a traditional healer from his Pumula South base in Bulawayo.
Obija as Vundla was known during his days at Ndolwane Super Sounds is one of the best bassists in the Rhumba genre.
His presence in the Big Boss camp will certainly, help boost the latter’s performance as Vundla is also an expert in rhumba sound on stage.
The bassist said he has been busy pursuing music down South since June this year.
“I came to South Africa in June for the launch of Allen Ndoda and MadalaBoy’s Impi Yamatshe album. As I was here, my music calling kept me busy. On September 4, I’ll be on stage playing for The Big Boss.
“I’ve been practising with the band and fans who’ll attend the show will definitely see fireworks,” he said.
Vundla said he is sharing his bassist notes with another rhumba band, Dupute Warriors who are recording their forthcoming album.
Despite his busy music schedule, he said he has not suspended his ancestral calling as he is attending to those who need his services.
“I cannot abandon my services as a traditional healer because there are many people this side who want my services. Some of them couldn’t see me since I was in Zimbabwe. I’m attending to many people in between my music breaks,” said Vundla.
The love shown to him by music fans during his stint in South Africa, Vundla said is the one that made him change his mind about abandoning music.
“I was considering quitting music for good but because of the love I am receiving from music fans, I’ll have to learn to balance my two callings. It’ll be a big mistake for me ukwekela umsebenzi wabadala (I cannot abandon my ancestors) and I’ll also remain in the music industry,” said Obija.
The Big Boss said he is looking forward to the show adding that it will be one to remember. — @themkhust
Online Reporter