Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena [email protected]
AWARD-WINNING actor Zenzo Nyathi has stepped into the spotlight in a different way, showcasing his musical talent on The Dab Band’s newly released 20-track album, uMthandazo.
Best known for his memorable role as Mzambane in ZBCtv’s popular drama series Amakorokoza, Nyathi takes centre stage on the song Umalayitsha, a track written and composed by award-winning photographer Mgcini Nyoni. He also features on another song on the album, titled Sengibaleka.
While many Zimbabweans know Nyathi for his work on stage and screen, music has long been part of his life. His appearance on uMthandazo may come as a surprise to some fans, but the actor says the project allowed him to reconnect with a passion he has nurtured for years.
Before establishing himself as one of the country’s most recognisable actors, Nyathi worked as a backing vocalist for the late Beater Mangethe. He was also a member of The Mighty Boys, a band formed during his time at Amakhosi Theatre. The group featured Nyathi alongside Julian Tshuma, Willing Mhlanga and Simon Mhlanga.
Reflecting on his experience recording with The Dab Band, Nyathi said the collaboration was both enjoyable and rewarding, despite the limited time available for rehearsals.
“It was an amazing experience working with The Dab Band, considering we didn’t have ample time to meet and rehearse. They were very accommodating and welcoming. They treated me like one of them, and with that, I can say they are great collaborators.
“What many people don’t know is that I’ve always been into music. At one time, I was a backing vocalist for the late Beater Mangethe. I was also part of a band called The Mighty Boys. Music has always been part of me, and it made it easy for me to fit in well on the uMthandazo project,” said Nyathi.
Among the songs on the album, Nyathi believes Umalayitsha has so far connected most strongly with listeners.
The song explores the experiences of migrants in search of better opportunities across the Limpopo River. It captures the fear and uncertainty faced by those embarking on dangerous journeys, while also reflecting the hope that a better future awaits on the other side of the border.
Through its storytelling, the track paints a vivid picture of a traveller wrestling with anxiety at the prospect of crossing crocodile-infested waters, driven by the dream of a better life.
“Umalayitsha is a cry, a plea from a somewhat worried passenger when told they have to cross the crocodile-infested Limpopo. But then the subtext is the thought that maybe there’s a better life and opportunities across.
“I believe that this song’s meaning extends beyond its immediate narrative, as it allows listeners to interpret it from different perspectives. The inspiration was drawn from the experiences of the many malayitsha who facilitate journeys across borders, whom people have encountered or grown up seeing.
“The few people I’ve come across seem to love and relate to it. So I would say it’s fairly accepted, and I believe with time, more people will warm up to it and the rest of the album,” he said.
For Nyathi, the project has provided an opportunity to remind audiences that his creative talents extend beyond acting. Through uMthandazo, he has embraced another side of his artistry, bringing his experience as both a performer and musician to a project that is already generating interest among listeners.
