Rhumba musician longs to perform in Zimbabwe

The proverbial “third time is lucky” perfectly fits Nkayi-born rhumba musician Ndabitshekile who is revelling in the success of his third album titled Vumizono.

After being two times unlucky with his albums, the year 2022 became his breakthrough season as the artiste based in South Africa, struck the right chord with the album and is reaping financial rewards.

“I didn’t expect the support that I’m receiving for this album given that I had poor sales for my first two albums, Xenophobia (2017) and Ogweja (2019).

Vumizono has really put me on the map as a number of businesspeople have bought the album. I’ve stopped counting the CD sales as some people from overseas have been sending money,” said Ndabitshekile

He said the album was so good that some people have now offered to fund his next album.

“I made a good profit from the album and I already have some people who’re committing to fund my fourth album to be released later this year. I’m really grateful for this,” he said.

Ndabitshekile who has begun working on his fourth album says he will work with guitarists he worked with on the third album.

“We’re already busy with the new album which will be out in November. There are a number of instrumental players who want to have a hand as well but I’ll not change the team I worked with last year,” he said.

The last album featured bassists Obert Vundla and Meluleki “Brema” Moyo as well as Elvis Mfanomude and Kholwane “TK” Dube.

Ndabitshekile who hails from Chief Sikhobokhobo’s area, said he is planning to return home to promote his music in order to grow his local fan base.

He said some businesspeople have booked him for live shows later in the year which was an advantage for him.

Ndabitshekile said he has been booked together with his Nkayi Super Sounds band which is also known as Eze Blue Nation.

“This year, I’ll definitely be home to stage live shows during the festive season because Zimbabwe radio stations are now playing my music,” he said. – @themkhust