THE government has commissioned various Bulawayo artistes to compose an official song for the forthcoming African Union Sports Region V Youth Games.
NONHLANHLA SIBANDA OWN CORRESPONDENT
Groups will include internationally recognised imbube outfit Black Umfolosi, local king of kwaito Mbekezeli “PO Zee” Mpofu, dancer and actress Sandra Ndebele, and Afro-jazz artiste Majahawodwa Ndlovu, aka Jeys Marabini.
Jeys expressed gratitude at the opportunity of composing a song for the prestigious event to be held in Bulawayo in December this year.
“I would like to thank the ministry (of Sport, Arts and Culture) for trusting us with such a great responsibility.We have a list of songs that we have composed and are yet to surrender them so they can choose the best,” he said.
National Arts Council of Zimbabwe provincial arts manager Charity Nyathi said the song would be used to market the youth games.
“We have asked specifically Bulawayo artistes to compose the song to create awareness on the youth games,” she said.
“The song would send a message about the countries that will be involved, the type of games that will be played and market the artistes as well.”
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Thomeki Dube, a director with the widely travelled Black Umfolosi, said the songs will not only provide edutainment, but create synergies.
“We are currently in the studio finalising the song. I am convinced the song will get people on their feet, we have tried to accommodate all the countries that will be taking part in the youth games. The song is a combination of message and strong beat which appeals more to the youth,” he said.
“We mention the type of games to be played, the countries involved and how the games will promote regional integration since we are becoming a harmonised regional village.
“While the visitors come to Bulawayo they are coming to Zimbabwe and through the songs we tell them about the richness and beauty of our country.
“We want those who will attend the Youth games to feel enticed to visit the whole of Zimbabwe and not only Bulawayo.” he added.
The song is a fusion of various genrés including, kwaito, house, calypso, ragga, mbaqanga and traditional imbube.
Zimbabwe will play host to Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Lesotho, Angola and Mozambique in December The National University of Science and Technology, Bulawayo Athletics Club, Bulawayo City Pool, Barbourfields Stadium, Luveve Stadium and White City Stadium are some of the venues that will host the games.
