LEGENDARY musician Busi Ncube believes female musicians in Zimbabwe have come of age after overcoming cultural stereotypes.
NONHLANHLA SIBANDA OWN CORRESPONDENT Busi, who shot to celebrity status as the lead vocalist in the timeless classic True Love by Afro-fusion group Ilanga and later on writing songs for her group Band Rain, is now making a living teaching music in Norway.
Born on June 15 1963 in Bulawayo, she grew up in a family of singers. Her father, Sunday Ncube, was a vocalist and bassist for a township jazz band throughout Busi’s childhood in Bulawayo in the early ’60s.
Seven of her sisters sang at the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
She performed with her twin sister Pathie (Siphathisiwe) and her late older sister Doreen in the group Ebony Sheikh with George Pahlani.
Busi, who started her professional career in 1983, was a member of Ilanga.
The band had such talent with the likes of the late Andy Brown (guitar), Keith Farquarson (keyboards), Munya Brown (percussion, vocals) and Gibson Nyoni (drums), Charles Mangena (percussion), the late Don Gumbo (bass, vocals)) and Virgilio Ignacio (percussion, vocals).
Inspired by her sister Doreen, she had her own songs recorded with Ilanga, including the hit True Love, Siyalonda, Guga Mzimba and Ngihlangabeze.
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However, in an interview with South Eye Lifestyle, Busi said for her, breaking into the male-dominated music industry was no stroll in the park.
“It was taboo for women to perform in night clubs or any other place even after (South Africa-based jazz legend) Dorothy Masuka and my late sister had done it before. I had my share of criticism,” she said.
“Nowadays, female artistes can perform anywhere. I believe we had a lot to do with that. We had to stand the ground for them to be emancipated.”
Busi is working on her 13th album to be released next year .
She has travelled to the Czech Republic, Belgium, Slovakia, Germany, Norway and Sweden where she did a live CD recording.
Busi has shared the stage with international stars such as Tracy Chapman, Bruce Springsteen, Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, Youssou N’dou and Sting.
The ageless singer is married with two children Tendai and Angellah who are based in Australia and Scotland, respectively.
She studied music at the Harare College of Music and has mentored Dudu Manhenga and many other artistes.
Busi plays the mbira, percussion and ngoma, among other instruments.
She is currently back home and is working with schools.
Busi was recently appointed the Zimbabwe Music Asociation (Zimma) Cultural ambassador for the upcoming Masiyephambili Cultural Festival, an arts, heritage and tourism competition for both primary and secondary schools.
“I remember that arts education was in the curriculum. Music used to make me feel alive and sharp at school. We need to prioritise and promote arts and culture,” she said.
“In Oslo, Norway, there are about 500 concerts a week. They take art seriously.
“Parents actually encourage their children to take art classes. When they finish school, the market will be waiting for them.”
Busi is one of the organisers of Zimbabwe Arts Festival to be held in Oslo Norway (Oslo-Zimfest) between August 29 and 31 which showcases the best of music, film, photography, poetry and other art forms from Zimbabwe. There will also be talks, exhibitions and workshops.
The festival will see Zimbabwean artistes taking part.
“I think they need it more. These festivals are lucrative. We did adverts and designing of brochures and flyers here in Zimbabwe as a way of promoting our own artistes,” she said.
Busi will be returning to Norway on August 11 in time for the Oslo Zimfest.
