Xmile launches unique musical product

BULAWAYO’s most gifted vocalist, Xolani Ndlovu, aka Xmile, will on Saturday stage a one-of-a-kind launch event for a new EP Ezase Africa at the Zimbabwe Academy of Music.
Xmile
Xolani “Xmile” Ndlovu

BULAWAYO’s most gifted vocalist, Xolani Ndlovu, aka Xmile, will on Saturday stage a one-of-a-kind launch event for a new EP Ezase Africa at the Zimbabwe Academy of Music.

BY SHARON SIBINDI

Information obtained by Southern Eye yesterday indicated the musician had lined up a launch slatted for today. Speaking to the Southern Eye Lifestyle, Early Entertainment director Elliot Moyo said Xmile recently partnered with the multimedia studio and management agency to organise the show. The artiste has recorded three brand new music tracks set to redefine his sound and brand.

“Having finally grown into his true identity as an artiste, Xmile saw it fit to introduce the world to his true self and with the creative minds at Early Entertainment behind him, the launch event is set to inject an explosive new jolt of artistic energy into the music industry, blending elements of musical theatre and film with soulful sound of his rich, seductive voice and message,” he said.

Moyo added that the artiste had staged a stunning theatrical performance chronicling his musical presentation and he is set to evolve on stage and redefine musical performances as a whole.

“With a carefully selected set list introducing new tunes such as the captivating EP title track Ezase Africa, the new Xmile is set to dive deeper into what it means to be and sound African with his music culminating in a soulful fusion of the contemporary and traditional,” Xmile said. “It’s not an attempt to be or sound Western, nor is it trying to sound traditionally African. Instead this has grown into a brand new sound of its own which embraces all these elements and moulds them together into one explosive wall of sound which will leave audiences begging for more,” he added.

The co-director of Rebel Film Productions Mhle Nzima shared the similar sentiments. He said: “ The beauty of Xmile’s music not only lies in his sound, but in the socially conscious messages within, touching on very relatable issues ranging from love, child neglect, unemployment, self-love and acceptance, among others.

These messages are made even more relevant because they relate to the artist on a personal level since these are issues he has either encountered in his journey or witnessed developing around him. Through his music, he intends to effect change. More than just a singer, the new Xmile is an artistic phenomenon whose sound is set to resonate in every sphere of society without bounds,” he added.

He said some of Xmile’s new songs include the hauntingly engaging Afro-soul ballad Ngizobuya (I will return).

“This beautiful piece explores the fragile nature of a young couple’s long-distance love while lovers search for greener pastures in distant lands. Also in his new set is the song Ma Ungela Cala which ventures into the complex maize of a guilty heart in search of truth or remorse,” he added.

The two-hour event will see Xmile engaging the audience on a personal level as they get to know one another in discussions between sessions, adding a whole new dimension to the experience.

Opening for Xmile will be Bulawayo-based singing sensations MJ-Sings and gorgeous singer Alaina, whose performances are set to complement their fellow artist’s sound and make the show all the more spectacular.

Nzima said the entry to the show will be $5 and $7 for VIP tickets which will come with a free CD of Xmile’s newly launched music.

Early Entertainment is a Bulawayo-based multimedia studio and management agency which specialises in film and videography, photography, theatre, poetry, artiste management, graphic design, comic book and graphic novel production, among several other artistic genres.

It is directed by company founder Elliot Moyo who works in partnership with Mhle Nzima, co-director of Bulawayo-based Rebel Film Productions, among other talented individuals in the arts.

The young artiste has rubbed shoulders with some of the country’s most popular musicians like Oliver Mtukudzi and has worked with Willis Wattafi, Family Voices, Zimpraise, Thandy Dhlana and many more. He has represented Zimbabwe in the East African Idols competition in Kenya and has been voted one of CBZ A-Academy’s top-five musicians.

Exmile thanked his fans for all the support that they have given him.

“I say thank you so much. My fans are not just my fans, they are my friends and have been with me on each step of the way,” he added.