Langelihle Dube, [email protected]
Bulawayo music duo The Noise Makers, comprising Black Mampara and Ubhuti Ontsundu, have released their latest extended play (EP), Partner in Crime, a project inspired by friendship, creative experimentation and ambitions to take their music beyond the city.
The duo, made up of Talent Ndlovu, popularly known as Black Mampara, and Mthabisi Ncube, known as Ubhuti Ontsundu, hail from Nketa 7, where their friendship began long before they ventured into music.
Having grown up as next-door neighbours, the two developed a close bond that eventually evolved into brotherhood and, ultimately, a musical partnership.
Their shared interest in music led them to explore opportunities to work together, with Ndlovu gravitating towards music production while Ncube developed his skills in DJing, music selection and performance.
Rather than competing in the same creative space, the two found a way to complement each other’s strengths. Ndlovu took charge of production, experimenting with sounds and arrangements, while Ncube focused on DJing, selecting music and connecting with audiences.
Their latest release, Partner in Crime, draws on that longstanding relationship, with the title reflecting their journey from childhood neighbours to musical collaborators.
The duo said the project was about taking creative risks, experimenting with different sounds and challenging each other to explore ideas they might not have pursued individually.
However, the EP was not an overnight project. Some of its material had been in development for between 18 months and two years, with the duo revealing that they had initially accumulated enough songs to compile a full-length album.
“At some point, we had enough material to put together a full album, but one of our biggest challenges was finding the right vocalists to bring some of the ideas to life. We didn’t want to release an entire album made up of instrumentals only,” they said.
“The production process involved a lot of experimenting, creating, revisiting older ideas and perfecting the sound. That journey taught us patience and Partner in Crime is a reflection of that growth. We believe everything came together at the right time.”
Musically, the EP explores different elements of Amapiano while retaining the genre’s distinctive foundations. The duo said they sought to combine familiar sounds with fresh influences rather than simply follow prevailing trends.
“We’ve blended soulful elements, deep log drums, catchy melodies and different musical influences to create something that reflects our identity as The Noise Makers. Compared to our previous work, Partner in Crime shows our growth, creativity and willingness to experiment,” they said.
The project also features contributions from other local creatives.
Guitarist Shekinah Ndlovu, popularly known as Kinah The Music, features on the third track, Sginci, while the fourth track, Crime Scene, is a collaboration with producer Mbonisi Sibindi, known as M9beats, and vocalist Dumile Sibindi, popularly known as Jakalas.
The duo identified the title track, Partner in Crime, as one of their personal favourites, saying each song on the EP had its own story and distinctive sound.
For The Noise Makers, the release represents an important step towards establishing their identity as a musical act rather than the culmination of their journey.
“We see it as both an introduction to what we’re capable of and a stepping stone towards something bigger. We’ve spent time developing our sound, learning, experimenting and understanding the direction we want to take as a duo,” they said.
Their ambitions extend beyond Bulawayo and Zimbabwe, with the duo hoping to reach international audiences while contributing to the growth of the local music industry.
“We want to be part of the movement that puts Bulawayo’s music on the map. There is so much talent here, both in music production and artistry, that deserves more exposure and opportunities.
“For us, it’s not just about making it as a duo; it’s also about representing our city and creating opportunities for the talent around us. We want people to know that great music can come from Bulawayo too,” they said.
The duo said one of their biggest achievements was finally bringing together a project they had worked on for an extended period and sharing it with listeners.
They hope the EP will introduce their sound to new audiences and create opportunities for further collaborations and growth.
From next-door neighbours in Nketa 7 to musical partners with ambitions beyond Zimbabwe, The Noise Makers are using Partner in Crime to showcase their creative development and reinforce their belief in Bulawayo’s musical potential.
