adminBongani Ndlovu Showbiz Correspondent
ZIMBO-ITA fronted by Blessing “Bled” Chimanga left Bulawayo revellers asking for more as the Afro Blues band gave a polished performance on Friday at Horizon Pub and Grill.The four-member group comprising two Zimbabweans and two Italians performed alongside X-Mile, Thandy Dlana, Alaina and Jeys Marabini.
“This was the best show that we have had in a long time. We have gone to HIFA and had a huge crowd but thoroughly enjoyed this one,” Bled, the lead singer, said after the show.
From the first song, in the two-hour show, the sizeable crowd was up and dancing along to songs they performed which were renditions of Zimbabwean and Italian folk songs.
The crowd asked for more when the group was about to leave and the group obliged and played three more.
Bled who was also on marimba was a fusion of energy and romance as he exchanged playing marimba and charming women in the crowd with his highly interactive act.
Bulawayo artiste Butshilo Nleya who was on the Djembe drums played Jerusalema and Bled, along with Thandy, danced to the tune with some in the crowd also joining in.
Talented vocalist Xolani “Ex-Mile” Ndlovu was also a crowd favourite and showed why he is arguably one of the most gifted vocalists in the country, with his melodious voice backed by soulful lyrics.
Thandy Dlana and Alaina also gave a good account of themselves when they took to the stage.
During the show Zimbo-ITA invited Jeys Marabini on stage for a cameo performance with Jeys on his acoustic guitar and the band backing him up.
The group and Jeys had a jam session in the afternoon and it bore fruits as the two blended well.
Zimbabwe traditional dances such as a kongonya and isitshikitsha were part of the group’s act.
Bled had high praises for Jeys, saying he inspired him despite the fact that they met for just a little time.
“I am inspired with awe by Jeys. He is a true legend. He went through his style of music, the Ndebele style and he broke it down, saying this is how we do it, this is how we make the music, which was very touching for me because you do not find so many big names taking time to share. It was a life-changing experience for me,” said Bled.
He said he was impressed by the sense of unity during practice and when the artistes performed the last song together.
The other members in the group are Max Covini, Matteo Boldini and Raymond Mapfumira.
Online Reporter