Samson Banda memorial gig on the cards

Auxilia Katongomara Entertainment Correspondent
A MEMORIAL gig for the late imbube guru Samson ‘Dr Mahlaba’ Banda is on the cards as the month of December marks the first anniversary of his death.
Banda, credited as the doyen of imbube who not only led his ensemble Sunduza but also provided the gentle push that catapulted artistes like Jeys to fame, passed away on December 11 last year.

Jeys, one of the most famous acoustic jazz musicians to emerge from the City of Kings, began his career with Sunduza before Banda helped him to embark on a solo career.

He is set to be remembered in song and dance to acknowledge him as one of the most talented artistes to emerge from the City of Kings.

Sabela Music director, Saimon Banda confirmed that they were working on coming up with a “special” show to mark Banda’s influence on local music.

“We are organising a memorial, but as of now the details are still sketchy, the finer details will be available next week,” said Phiri.

Another close friend to the late Banda who declined to be named said preparations were underway and a gig would be held as Banda’s girlfriend Janet Wood is expected in the country from England on Saturday.

Wood is said to be working on an album dedicated to the late Banda which would feature a number of artistes in the country who worked with him.

The imbube music legend passed away at the age of 45 after a short illness. He penned the famous hits, Rega Kusarira performed by Lameck Dumula Moyo, Amabhubesi and another titled WeNomagugu.

Also nicknamed ‘Rainbow’ by fellow artistes, Banda was the founding member of Sunduza dance group, an ensemble which toured Europe extensively back in the 90s.

He was a respected artiste who represented the city well, leading Sunduza dance group to Aberdeen in Scotland after its twinning with the Bulawayo City Council in 1993.

However, artistes were disappointed after the Bulawayo City Council declined their request to have him buried at Lady Stanley Cemetery where senior and prominent citizens are laid to rest.

Bulawayo artiste felt that the city was indebted to Banda since the emergence, growth and appreciation of imbube music is credited to him.

His last stage work was Gri-Eshe, a production premiered in April last year. It featured a number of artistes that include Black Umfolosi, Family Voices, Jeys Marabini, Siyaya Arts, Umdumo Wesizwe and Willis Wattaffi.