Exmile releases Afro-jazz album

Entertainment
ONE of Bulawayo’s most gifted vocalist Xolani Ndlovu, aka Exmile, has released the much-anticipated Afro-jazz album Bangaxabani.

ONE of Bulawayo’s most gifted vocalist Xolani Ndlovu, aka Exmile, has released the much-anticipated Afro-jazz album Bangaxabani.

DIVINE DUBE Own Correspondent

The 24-year-old talented musician’s latest offering features songs such as Bangaxabani (title track), Wozekhaya and Lagos.

The Cowdray Park-born artiste has arguably brought a new flavour to the not-so popular music genre in the city and jazz lovers could get a rare treat with his latest album.

“Now is the time for Exmile to set the music industry ablaze. He has a rhythmically grass-roots vibe, while fusing soul music, jazz and elements of traditional flavour,” the artiste’s manager Shepherd Mhlonitshwa Dube — Amavulindlela Records Label vice-president — said.

“Genuine and introspective, his music documents the experiences of human life and reflects his background and personal journey through self-discovery. That is why a lot of people can relate to his music,” Dube told Southern Eye Lifestyle in an interview yesterday.

The rising star has rubbed shoulders with celebrated Zimbabwean music greats such as Oliver Mtukudzi. He has also worked with Dudu Manhenga, Family Voices, Zim Praise, Ammara Brown and Willis Wataffi, among others.

The young, promising artiste whose music career looks bright, earned a name for himself following a sterling performance at the Harare International Festival of the Arts 2013 edition and has been voted as one of the best three voices in Zimbabwe Starbrite talent show.

The lad has also rocked regional scenes after being part of an Afro-culture band, which has curtained-raised for South African Afro-jazz artiste Bongeziwe Mabandla.

To add to his attractive resume, he has also worked with sensational South African commercial house favourite Liquideep.

The sensational upcoming artiste has represented Zimbabwe in the East African Idols competition in Kenya and has also been voted one of CBZ A-Academy’s top five musicians. His first live concert recently held at the Bulawayo Theatre, was a huge success and his music projects have received coverage on regional television stations such as SABC.

“He is a rare find and I am sure that he is Africa’s next Afro-jazz king.

His talent is undisputable, and the greatest thing about him is that he is very humble unlike other artistes. He is indeed a young man of valour who has a very bright future,” Dube said.