Zima spotlights Rhumba band, Izingonyama Sounds

AWARD nominations always have surprises and the 2023 Zimbabwe Music Awards (Zima) are no exception. The big surprise this year was the nomination of Mdawini and Izingonyama Sounds in the Rhumba/Tshibilika category.

Popularly known as EzokuBhimba, the group which is still building its name, was nominated ahead of a number of popular Rhumba groups. Mxolisi “Mr Bones” Ndlovu excelled with his Uvukile Umalambane song last year while Dubia Masters’ song Somthola Khona also released last year, won the group a Roil Bulawayo Arts Award but both groups missed out on the nominations.

Fronted by Zizwe “Mdawini” Sibanda, Izingonyama Sounds which features Mdawini’s brother – Mdabuli “Bhongo” Sibanda has four albums to its name. The group will battle it out for the award with established artistes and past winners, Insimbi ZeZhwane, Clement Magwaza and Madlela Skhobokhobo.

Mdawini said the band is excited about the Zima recognition, which is a sign that they are on the right path musically.

“The fact that we’ve been nominated against what I would call seniors in the genre, means a lot to me. On our latest offering we worked hard and this nomination is a confirmation of the good product we produced,” said Mdawini.

He said the band has been in the music industry for four years.

“My first album was Funda Kwezakho followed by Udlale Wrong then Dzotsa Milonga. The 2022 production was Tsedzembuya Pahwa which featured Funda Kwezakho.”

Tsedzembuya Pahwa, the production which caught the attention of Zima, has eight tracks and these are: Ntulika, Choose Makhethela, Tholele Mbongolo, Funda Kwezakho, Bafana Baka John, Alele Amaqhawe and a bonus track – Ezokutabhayila.

Mdawini who plays the lead guitar, is one of the individuals promoting the Kalanga language as a number of his songs are sung in Kalanga. — @themkhust