UMDUMO weSizwe has remained a force to reckon with on the country’s entertainment scene, as it is still clinging on to the rhythm of early traditional music that defines the people of Bulawayo through their imbube music.
BY LUYANDUHLOBO MAKWATI
Established 21 years ago, the group has defied many challenges to remain vibrant.
The outfit’s untold story began in 1994 when the late Mqoqi Mxhe Nkomo established the group, which began to carve its niche to where it is today.
The well-travelled group has featured in many places nationwide and across the world, but they have remained rooted in the imbube genre, making a name for themselves through their original performances, which are untainted by contemporary music.
The group sings songs of love, hope, worship, courtship and hardship.
Umdumo weSizwe manager, Gugulabo, Nkomo, said their journey has been long and they have lost people that were instrumental to the success and growth of the group.
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“Our journey as musicians had its ups-and-downs, but we are happy that we managed to work up to where we are,” he said.
“As a group, we lost one of our finest members and founder, Mqoqi Mxhe, but through love, respect and unity of purpose, we have continued to work as an intact group that has also fared well in various platforms, ranging from local festivals to international performances.”
In honour of their departed group members, in 2013 the group staged a performance which played a significant part in its history, as it was dedicated to the life of the group’s founding director Nkomo who passed away in July 2011.
The group collaborated with British singer, Janet Wood in the album, Together, Thina Sisonke.
In the United Kingdom, the group has performed at the Aberdeen International Youth Festival, as well as at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. It has also showcased its play titled Mxhento — named after late former leader.
Umdumo weSizwe has performed live music, which has provoking lyrics and well-choreographed dance moves that are marvel to watch.
Gugulabo said, as a group, they were working to make sure that imbube music will be kept alive.
At the just-ended Ibumba International Festival, the group staged a number of powerful performances from the old buildings of Makokoba right up Bulawayo Theatre, where they shared the stage with Siyaya Arts.
