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Iyasa co-founder Nkwali comes of age

Life & Style
TOP actress and dancer, Nomathamsanga Treatie Ndlovu, made a bold claim on the music scene when she launched her debut album, Sithokozile, at Bulawayo Theatre last Friday.

TOP actress and dancer, Nomathamsanga Treatie Ndlovu, made a bold claim on the music scene when she launched her debut album, Sithokozile, at Bulawayo Theatre last Friday.

BY OWN CORRESPONDENT

The gifted artiste that together with the likes of other Bulawayo’s celebrated daughters in music including Sandra Ndebele, was a pioneer of Inkululeko Yabatsha School of Arts (Iyasa). She has indeed come of age.

The album launch was a fine crowning moment for an artiste who has pulled weight in the arena of the arts for a decade.

The eight-track album carries traditional songs basically coupled with one gospel track and a special dedication to the sultry singer’s parents, Charles and Maggie Mkwananzi.

Noma, whose stage name is Nkwali, has toured over 20 countries in her career with artistes like Albert Nyathi, Iyasa and Mother Africa, an artistic ensemble.

“I believe I have something rare to offer both my local and international fans,” said Nkwali, who draws inspiration form performers like the late Chiwoniso Maraire, Prudence Katomeni-Mbofana, Brenda Fassie and Whitney Houston.

Iyasa founder and director Nkululeko Dube, who is Noma’s husband, described his wife as a performer par excellence out to make a lasting impression.

Noma Ndlovu

“Noma has heralded a new legacy for women in music in Zimbabwe. She has displayed versatility as a singer, dancer and actor. It was an amazing fun-filled evening and she set the bar so high,” he said.

Dube, who played a big role in identifying and nurturing Noma, said the latter is a work in progress and more should be expected from her.

“Noma is a gem and has a promising future in the sector. Bulawayo has for long bemoaned the lack of female musicians in a male-dominated arts industry and Nkwali has provided a bold answer,” he said.

Noma’s album carries songs like Angifuni Mina, Malayisha, Ingoma, Laphumilanga, Bazali bami, Nyawo lwami and Madodana.

“Most of the songs on the album are traditional and gospel songs and two of them are my own compositions and one is a dedication to my parents,” Noma said.

The immensely-gifted musician mesmerised the audience with her versatility as a dancer, singer and actress during the launch.

Backed by Iyasa, Imphumelelo Shining Stars and a live band, Ecstasy, Noma kept her audience spellbound during her set.

Bulawayo’s who is who in the arts sector including Sandra Ndebele, Raisedon Baya, Albert Nyathi and Jeys Marabini — who was guest of honour — came to lend her support as she broke new ground.

True to her international flare, Noma is currently the lead singer for Mother Africa, an African circus made up of 45 artistes from different African countries such as Zimbabwe, South Africa, Tanzania, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Gambia and Kenya.

All the artistes are dancers, acrobats and musicians and have toured far and wide, showcasing the rich African talent.

Noma had an early break into the arts and she is in awe of her mentors in the mould of Dube, Nyathi and Sihlangu Dlodlo.

“At seven, I was an extra in the movie, Power of One, where Zimbabwe’s Alois Moyo and Morgan Freeman were the main characters,” said Noma, who started singing in church at a very early age.

She completed her high school in 1999 at Sobukhazi and, while waiting for her results, became part of the Mpopoma High School drama club. In 2000, she toured the UK with Nyathi and Imbongi.

Noma then joined Iyasa, with whom she toured from 2001 till 2009. In 2004 she auditioned for Mother Africa, together with Silethemba and Siphephiso Magonya also from Iyasa. The trio is still part of Mother Africa.

Noma reckons she is still a part of Iyasa despite having made her mark. “I am an Iyasa baby. A lot of the things I know I learnt from Iyasa and Nkululeko taught me a lot. I am grateful for the effort he invested in me,” she said.

The talented musician brings her act to Harare on November 25 and she reckons music lovers are in for a rare treat.

“I am coming to Harare on November 25 and I am calling on all music lovers to come and have fun with me,” she said as a parting shot.