Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, [email protected]
For Gospel music icon Sipho “Big Fish” Makhabane, his first international invitation was more than just another performance. It was a defining moment that took him beyond the borders of his home country, Swaziland, and introduced him to a new audience in Zimbabwe.
Makhabane recalls that the invitation came in 1994, when he was invited to travel to Harare to perform. Although he was excited about the opportunity, he had little idea of the reception that awaited him.
Journalists from newspapers, radio and television stations were waiting for him at the airport, turning his arrival into a major media event.
“When I arrived at the airport, my brother, it was something else. So many people came to welcome me at the airport. I was so scared and kept asking myself, ‘What’s going on?’”
“I found journalists from newspapers, radio and television stations. Everyone was there to welcome me. That moment had me shaking,” said Makhabane.
Adding to his nerves was the language barrier. Makhabane jokingly recalls relying on what he described as his “Standard Three English” as he tried to answer questions from journalists.
One journalist welcomed him to Zimbabwe, telling him he had “taken Zimbabwe by storm”, before asking what he was promising Zimbabwean audiences.
For Makhabane, the pressure was immense. The experience did not end at the airport. He was also informed that he would appear on live television the following morning, leaving him unable to sleep.
“I didn’t sleep that night because I didn’t know how I was going to do that interview or what questions they were going to ask me,” he said.
Despite his nerves, Makhabane showed up for the interview the following morning and faced the journalists and presenters who had kept him awake the previous night.
Looking back, Makhabane regards the Zimbabwe trip as much more than his first international engagement. He said the experience tested him, exposed him to a new level of media attention and demonstrated the reach his music could have beyond Swaziland.
Makhabane last performed in Zimbabwe on December 6 last year, when he headlined the sold-out Grateful Experience concert alongside fellow South African Gospel icon Rebecca Malope at the Harare International Conference Centre.
Throughout his career, he has collaborated with several Zimbabwean artistes, including the late legendary musician Oliver Mtukudzi on the song “Tinotenda”, which means “Thank You”.
In 2004, Makhabane teamed up with Gospel pioneer Elias Musakwa on Musakwa’s acclaimed video and audio album project, “Mazviita Ebenezer”.
He also worked with Reverend Togarepi Chivaviro on “Famba Usacheuke”, which featured on Chivaviro’s 20th studio album.
Makhabane has further collaborated with contemporary Gospel ensemble Zimpraise Choir on live recordings of his re-imagined hit songs “Vuka Mphefumulo” and “Calvary”.
