ONE of Bulawayo’s long standing and globe-trotting imbube ensembles, Mbizo Performing Arts, celebrate their silver jubilee this year following their establishment in November 1991.
BY SINDISO DUBE
Imbube is a form of traditional a capella music popularised in South Africa by groups such as Lady Smith Black Mambazo and in Zimbabwe by outfits such as Amabhubesi and Black Umfolosi.
The 16-member group — which has performed in countries like the United States, Spain, Czech Republic, United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Greece and China — will celebrate its existence with a show at the Bulawayo Theatre on December 30. The ensemble moved base to South Africa 10 years ago before their return home this year.
“We moved to South Africa in an effort to widen our market regionally, though we were always in the country for shows, festivals and corporate events,” the group’s spokesperson, Ozias Gwelu said.
“We have since decided to return home due to our local fans’ requests.”
The group revealed that after 25 years in the music industry, they were still learning by observing how others were doing their music.
“We can’t be left behind by trends,” Gwelu said, adding that imbube now caters for all generations, unlike in the past, when it appealed more to the elderly.
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Mbizo has a total of five albums under their belt, while another album is in the pipeline, which they say is dedicated to their fans.
The group is well-known for their hit songs Umalombolombo, Uzongena Lapha and Ayeza Amathendele, a praise song for Bulawayo’s football team, Highlanders Football club.
“Some of the songs that people love have been there for a long time. Fans always request us to perform them at shows. Another song that has been a crowds’ favourite is Ayeza aMathendele, which is a praise song for our team, Bosso, which did well this season, though we didn’t clinch the premiership league title,” Gwelu said.
