Chronicle Editor
Mkhululi Ncube and Sipepisiwe Moyo
YESTERDAY, Mbuso ‘Galie’ Ncube performed his last gig at Mvutshwa cemetery, where he was laid to rest. The legendary drummer, who was born and bred in Mpopoma, died at Mpilo Hospital after a short illness.
He was 53 years old.
Galie was a versatile and influential musician, who played for many bands, such as the united Ndolwane Super Sounds, Solomon Skuza, Jeys Marabini, Andy Brown, Soul Brothers, and Dan Tshanda. He was popularly known as the Senior Man or Mr Ceremony, because of his charisma and talent.
His funeral was attended by his family, friends, neighbours, and fellow artistes, who honoured him with a mini music gala. The gala featured a live band and performances by some of the well-known and upcoming artistes in Bulawayo, such as Jeys Marabini, Sotsha Moyo, Madlela Sikhobokhobo, Obadia Matulane, Gabsfire, and Isizukulwane band. Many of them had worked with Galie or received assistance from him during his lifetime.
Galie was remembered as a man with a good heart, who often sacrificed his own interests for the sake of others. He was also praised for his role in the success and growth of Ndolwane Super Sounds, a band that he recorded drums for most of their albums. He was a unifier, who always calmed down the tensions and conflicts among the band members.
The united Ndolwane Super Sounds duo of Martin ‘Big Boss’ Sibanda and Charles Zwane Ndebele could not make it to Galie’s funeral, but they sent their condolences and contributions through Martin’s manager in Zimbabwe, Thandazani Nyoni. Nyoni, who spoke on behalf of the Big Boss, said that Galie was a crucial member of the band, who could play drums for any genre of music.
“He played for the united Ndolwane Super Sounds and he played a crucial role in the success of the band. He recorded drums for the majority of our albums. He was very talented and could play drums for any genre of music. He was a unifier and when he had flopped shows, Galie would calm the other players,” he said
Galie’s first born son, Mike Ncube, who is also a drummer, said that his father loved him dearly and trained him to be a great musician.
“My father loved me without doubt and he trained me to be a drummer which has seen me work with many great artists. We have no control of death and when time comes ‘siyawutshiya lumhlaba’. I am shaken by his death and I can only pray that my father rests peacefully,” he said.
Obert Vundla, who played with Galie at Ndolwane Super Sounds, said that Galie was like a twin to him and they had a good understanding on stage.
“He was like a twin to me and we had formed a good understanding on stage which made it easier for us to play together. Galie was a hero in the music industry who contributed to musical projects of many artists. It is good to see that he united us as artists on his final day,” said Vundla.
Joshua Sibanda, the leader of Isizukulwane band, said that Galie’s death was a big loss to the music industry. He said that his band had collaborated with Galie many times and had plans to produce more Imbanqanga music with him.
Obadia Matulane said that Galie was respected as an elder and a leader in the music scene.
“We called him Induna out of respect for him. Everyone wanted his touch when they wanted a drummist. Angazi wayelomuthi bani because everyone wanted a share of him. He was part of people who formed Breeze band with Bhekimpilo Siziba.It will be futile to list the number of bands he played for. As musicians this is a big loss and I am glad even in death musicians both home and in South Africa came together and contributed. He was an expert in Reggae music but unfortunately he did not go far as you know the struggles of being a musician,” he said.
Jeys Marabini urged the musicians who sing new sounds, such as Amapiano, Zimdancehall, and Hip Hop, to attend the funerals of fellow artistes and show solidarity.
Desire Moyo, also known as Moyoxide, challenged the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe to do more for the artistes and support their welfare.
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