Bulawayo jazz musician gets IOM award

Bulawayo-born Afro-jazz musician Bothwell “Bozoe” Nkomo has received an award from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) for his contributions through the song I am a Migrant Too.

Bulawayo-born Afro-jazz musician Bothwell “Bozoe” Nkomo has received an award from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) for his contributions through the song I am a Migrant Too.

Bothwell “Bozoe” Nkomo
Bothwell “Bozoe” Nkomo

 

NONHLANHLA SIBANDA OWN CORRESPONDENT

The song features a group of award-winning as well as upcoming, talented South African artists, who pledged their time and skills to produce a song that helps to promote social cohesion among Africans.

In an interview with Southern Eye Lifestyle Nkomo said he had always wanted to influence people through his music.

“I have always wanted to be an artiste that effects a change in society. Take my song Obabakazi for example, it talks about cultural revival and highlights the dangers of neglecting our cultural values. It is built on a traditional Ndebele time signature called Isitshikitsha and uses a satirical approach,” he said.

Bozoe received the award a day before performing at the Africa Day concert on May 24 at the Bulawayo Theatre with Jeys Marabini, Eve Kawadza, Ex-Mile, Thandy Dlana, Alaina, Willis Wataffi Afirika, The Outfit band, Bulawayo Drummers and Djembe Monks at the Bulawayo theatre.

“In 2010, I was part of another humanitarian project aimed at aiding African education by the Bay Recorders of the United States where I recorded and produced track nine of my album uDumo titled Izwekazi hence I am a Migrant too campaign is another blessed opportunity which I likewise engaged in.

“It was a totally amazing experience to be part of the mixed goody bag of South African and African artistes all singing the same message ubuntu. Receiving an award for it was just a cherry on top,” the jazz maestro said.

The artistes who featured in the song include, Jacqui Carpede, Kabomo Vilakazi, Khabonina Qhubeka, Masechaba Lekalake, Mabongi Mabaso, Monde Msutwana, Moonga Mkandawire, Simphiwe Gwegwe, Shatti Mogapi, Thebe Lection Lekhonkhobe, Tribute Mboweni, Tumelo “ABCRAZY” Dibakwane and Xolisa “Lady X” Mvula.

The talented Afro-jazz guitarist, song-writer, composer, vocal instructor and vocalist started his singing career at a very young age and migrated to South Africa for greener pastures.

“I migrated to SA in 2008 soon after graduating from Amakhosi Performing Arts Academy to further my career as the economy of my country Zimbabwe, particularly Bulawayo, was no longer sustainable to support my venture,” Nkomo said.