The DAB Band debuts with message-driven album

AFTER reaching the national finals of the 2025 Chibuku Road to Fame (CRTF) music talent search competition, Bulawayo-based group The DAB Band has taken a decisive step forward, releasing its debut album, Umthandazo.

The project is anchored in social commentary, tackling issues such as hunger, war and the broader challenges affecting communities, with the band using music as a vehicle for reflection and awareness.

In developing the album, the group made a deliberate artistic choice, opting for a fully live recording approach rather than relying on programmed beats, a decision that gives the project a raw and textured sound.

“The song creation was done using a live band instead of starting off with a ‘beat’. Every bit of sound is from a live instrument,” said composer and producer Mgcini Nyoni.

Recorded at a local studio, the album blends Afro-fusion, reggae, Afro-jazz and pop, showcasing the versatility that carried the group to the Chibuku Road to Fame stage.

The production features contributions from Misheck Charlie on lead guitar, Mandelson Banda on bass and keys, and Emmanuel Jasi on drums, alongside vocalists including SaneLi, Ronald Stone, Zenzo Nyathi and Bajilla.

Umthandazo comprises 20 tracks, exceeding the conventional album length. Nyoni said the expansion from an initial 12-track concept was driven by the development of a broader artistic idea during production.

“The additional songs were necessary to make storytelling more linear in the musical. The additional songs were written specifically for that narrative journey,” Nyoni said.

He said, despite the musical diversity, the project remains firmly grounded in its core intention of delivering meaningful messages.

“The main objective is the messaging before the sound. We Are Human came in to console and give hope. Ngwalongwalo is about identity; we might be pursuing globalisation, but we must remain grounded,” he said.

Tracks such as Sometimes God and The Earth Song further explore themes of faith and environmental consciousness, contributing to an album built on introspection and social relevance.

The DAB Band is a product of Dab Three Events, an event production company long associated with supporting Matabeleland artistes through concerts, live shows and podcast platforms. Formed in 2024, the group draws inspiration from the region’s rich cultural heritage, shaping both its identity and musical expression.