adminBhekumuzi Ncube, Sunday Life Reporter
WHEN they invade the stage: they champion the beauty of African tradition with their culture oriented dances, amazing songs as well as their costumes that resemble that of the Zulu traditional attire — that is the Indosakusa The morning Star Imbube ensemble formerly known as Impumelelo Shining Stars.
It is this group that has kept Imbube alive over the years alongside renowned groups such as Black Umfolosi and Insingizi ensembles. It’s not a ridiculous comparison to say Indosakusa are just the same as the world acclaimed Imbube group, Black Mambazo that has made the world sing the traditional genre.
The group that was formed in 2001 at Emapane Ward 7 Enqameni, one of the inferior villages in Matabeleland South Province under Chief Somhlolo Matema, expressed the difficulties faced in the arts industry and how they have remained united to thrive.
The marketing director of the group Innocent Sibanda said as a group, they have faced problems but they have remained strong. He said they are determined to make it their objective that Imbube doesn’t die.
“Well, the arts industry is enjoyable and amazing but there are a lot of challenges faced. As a group we have fought and suffered; we met countless obstacles, we climbed mountains and strived through troubled waters. At some point we found ourselves as poor as a church mouse yet that did not stop God from revealing his plans with us,” he said.
Sibanda said the group’s vision is to send a message of love to the world through Imbube music.
“The group is dedicated to delivering themes of love, peace, unity, forgiveness and salvation. We want to tell the world that God cares for us. He wants us to be united through music. Our core aim is to capture people’s hearts and change their lives, whereas our goal is for this message to spread across the whole world,” he said.
Before they officially changed their name last week, the ensemble toured many countries that include the Democratic Republic of Congo, Namibia, Malawi and Mozambique. Sibanda said the rebranding of Impumelelo Shining Stars was inspired by God.
“The group is fulfilling the revelation that was given to them in 2016. 2017 served as a year of preparation, Shining stars brought love and salvation and today God says the world needs a new light, a new dawn, new beginning and a new purpose, ” he added. @NcubeBhekumuzi
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