Chronicle Editor
Mthabisi Tshuma, Showbiz Reporter
THE entertainment industry is one that the late Queen Elizabeth never shied away from as she attended events whenever she was allowed an opportunity to witness the imaginative world.
Whether watching a performance or even taking part in the act, this was the life of the departed.
As one of the most influential women in the world, for one to be in her midst was an opportunity of a lifetime and for her to watch your art meant you were a virtuoso.
Only a few, selected artistes performed for the queen and among these few are two bands from Zimbabwe – Black Umfolosi and White Umfolosi
Saturday Leisure caught up with Black Umfolosi and White Umfolosi, now called Amavevane Acappella, who relived their brief contact with Queen Elizabeth.
The director of Black Umfolosi, Sotja Moyo said the year was 1994.
“It was in 1994 in Victoria, Canada when we met the Queen as we had travelled for our normal Black Umfolosi tour which covered festival’s, theatres and private events.
“On the tour, we were ten members and currently it’s me, Thomeki Dube and Austin Chisare who are still with the group as others have since left the group or passed on.
“It was humbling to perform for the Queen. To have one’s artistic abilities recognised by such a high office is really satisfying. From the interaction we learnt that music does speak a different language and that as Zimbabweans we have an amazing kind of art as a people,” said Moyo who revealed that they are currently on a tour in Europe set to end in mid-December.
The founder of Amavevane Acappella, then called White Umfolosi, Future Ndex Moyo said it was an honour to showcase their melodious voices laced in the imbube/isicathamiya genre to the queen. The group was made of kids aged 15 to 18.
“In May 1999 we were in the UK and were so privileged to perform for Her Majesty the Queen and his Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh. We were still White Umfolosi Performing Arts by then.
“We sang for the Queen in Oxford when she came to officially open the community centre there. Nine members of the group travelled, it was six boys, two girls and our teacher Mr Lucious Ncube who was the conductor and leader of the group.
“This was a Cultural Exchange programme for children from Zimbabwe and children from the United Kingdom. The two-week tour was so educational and exciting,” said Ndex.
Ndex said they had lots of fun and it was one of their best moments.
“Performing for the Queen made us a little nervous to be quite honest as it was unbelievable. We took every moment as it was and enjoyed it to the fullest,” said Ndex. – @mthabisi_mthire
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