KEZI-born musician Sebenzani Ncube, popularly known as Mehlokazulu, is making waves in neighbouring South Africa with his 12-track debut DVD album titled Izitha.
SHARON SIBINDI OWN CORRSPONDENT
“The album has gone silver in South Africa with hit tracks Bayanginyokoloza, which features Zinja Ziyamluma, Nzalo kaMzilikazi and Mama, which is a tribute to his mother who passed away earlier this year,” his manager, Mongezi Mpofu, told Southern Eye Lifestyle.
Mpofu said the DVD was a dedicated to Mehlokazulu’s mother and they worked with some of the best producers in Johannesburg.
“I believe this DVD will be welcomed at home (Zimbabwe) and we will soon get it to ZBCtv. Mehlokazulu sings maskandi as a way of preserving Ndebele culture, tradition and ubuntu,” he added.
The 34-year-old Mehlokazulu said the music industry in South Africa was more productive than in Zimbabwe citing his breakthrough.
“I can say I have managed to discover gold in South Africa unlike at home where it is difficult to record even a single track,” he said.
“I started singing in the early 1990s at school in Kezi as I used to listen to (the late) Bhekumuzi Luthuli, (Ladysmith) Black Mambazo and Lovemore Majaivana.
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“These artistes really inspired me and my first album was released in 2011.”
He said his music was aimed at reviving Ndebele culture and tradition.
“Through my music, I hope to remind listeners about our history, where we come from as well as to take pride in our heritage,” he said.
“Our culture is slowly being eradicated and as a result, a lot of music we tend to listen to makes us forget where we come from.”
He thanked fans, friends and family for the support they have given him.
Apart from recording his first album DVD, Mehlokazulu has released three albums and has worked with Zinja Ziyamluma from Tsholotsho, which has become a celebrated maskandi outfit.
Izitha was produced by Ayanda Khumalo, filmed by Mothusi Bashimane Ndlovu and directed by Mehlokazulu and Bashimane.
Mehlokazulu has lined up shows in Bulawayo, Kezi and Maphisa during the festive season.
