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World Music Day the world over is commemorated on 21 May and its purpose is to promote amateur and professional musicians by encouraging them to perform in the streets.
The Eastern Cape born Mabandla was supported by Bulawayo-based jazz band Afro-Culture Band, which consists of six members.
He played the acoustic guitar alongside his three-member band, which comprised a bass and electric guitar players and a drummer.
Mabandla’s music kept the sizable multi-racial crowd on their feet as he sang songs like Wangenzanina, Isizatho and his title track from his upcoming album, Umlilo, among others.
Speaking after his show Mabandla said he enjoyed his stay in Zimbabwe and would love to come back.
He said on Friday he was in Harare where he performed and was happy with the reception he got from the capital and Bulawayo.
“It is my first time in Zimbabwe and I can tell you the vibe for my music is great. Yesterday I was in Harare and the reception was good and in Bulawayo people received my music well. I really appreciate their support,” said Mabandla.
He said he was inspired by Oliver Mtukudzi and would like to work with him in future.
“I would like to work with Mtukudzi. I listen to him and his music influences me. There are other Zimbabwean musicians such as Chengetai and Natsai. I also would like to work with them,” said Mabandla.
He said up-and-coming Zimbabwean musicians were doing well and they should fulfil their dreams as he did his.
“It is hard to rate Zimbabwean music because the drummers and guitarists from this country are good and I could not come with my band. But our knowledge of music blended together and that is what is exciting,” said Mabandla.
He said his album to be released next month was about awareness of self and acceptance of who you are.
“Umlilo is about self awareness, acceptance and love. It’s about analysing yourself and being aware of who you are and loving that person. That is what it was inspired by,” said Mabandla.
He encouraged up-and-coming musicians to chase their dreams as they can come true and he was a living example.
“I was born in the Eastern Cape and when we drove in Zimbabwe I saw huts like the ones I grew up in and look where I am. It’s about following your dream and it will bear fruit,” said Mabandla.
Music lovers after the show were full of praise for the South African singer.
They said it was a good performance and he should come back.
“That is what we are lacking in Bulawayo these type of performances. I enjoyed myself thoroughly, I will be back for such shows if they are organised,” said Annah Vander Burg, who was with her boyfriend Rob.
Another music lover Thabo Nyoni said it was a good way to start off the night and thanked the organisers of the event for bringing local and regional acts with a difference.
“The Zimbabwean band did not perform badly. They should only have more of their songs and stop playing other people’s music. My friends and I enjoyed ourselves,” said Nyoni.
Coincidentally Saturday was Youth Day in South Africa to commemorate the Soweto Uprising of 1976.
A series of high school pupils-led protests from numerous Sowetan schools began to demonstrate in the streets of Soweto, in response to the introduction of Afrikaans as the medium of instruction in local schools. An estimated 20 000 students took part in the protests, and about 176 people were killed.
Online Reporter