adminBongani Ndlovu Entertainment Correspondent
BULAWAYO mbira artiste Thandy Dhlana will today launch her debut album Ongaziwayo at Horizon Pub and Leisure Centre. The album launch is set to be graced by Marabi king Jeys Marabini who is expected to share the stage with her in support. The launch will start at 6pm and end at 9pm.
The Gwabalanda born Thandy, who started singing at the age of 12, said her type of music was called Ethno-soul. The album is a mixture of secular and gospel tracks in isiNdebele and Shona, with a touch of mbira in each song.
“I am launching my six track album on Wednesday. The album is a combination of ethnic and soul rhythms with a romantic feel to capture the heart desired good feel,” she said.
Thandy said people should come to Horizon to support her album launch.
“Jeys Marabini will be there and we will share the stage. Music lovers should come and hear a new fusion of music,” said the 22-year-old.
Thandy added that next year she will embark on international tours as her music appeals to all.
“We are confident that from 2014 I will embark on international tours as my music cuts across age, race and culture,” she said.
Jeys Marabini confirmed his participation at the show and said he was always ready to support upcoming artistes.
“I will be playing alongside her. I will play my acoustic guitar and she will be singing,” he said.
Jeys said it was high time other artistes emerge from the southern region besides him and others.
He said it was commendable that Thandy was taking the bold step to propel herself to the forefront as there was a lack of female musicians.
“We should groom other artistes for them to be in the forefront. Thandy is a female artiste who is talented enough to make a mark in the industry. It is laudable that Thandy is embarking on this judging by the scarcity of female artistes in the country let alone in the region,” said Jeys.
The six-track album has songs such as Hamba Khululeka, Nguthand’ Ekuseni, Makanaka and the title track Ongaziwayo. Thandy has worked with renowned dancer Sandra Ndebele under the Intombi Zomqangala project.
Online Reporter