BULAWAYO’S all-female a cappella group Nobuntu is in the studio working on their second album, whose songs seek to eliminate political, social and professional discrimination against women. NONHLANHLA SIBANDA OWN CORRESPONDENT
The group started recording the album at the 10th District Studios last Tuesday under the guidance of Austria-based multi-talented producer Dumisani Ramadu Moyo, who is currently in the country.
The ensemble believes music is the most important and original wheel of change and a way of expression for a new generation of young female singers with the uniqueness to transcend racial, tribal, religious, gender and economic boundaries.
The group’s spokesperson Zanele Manhenga said tracks on their latest album generally told stories about women.
“It has been a while since we released our first album in 2013 and we thought it was high time we came up with a sister album to Thina,” Manhenga told Southern Eye Lifestyle.
“We have about 14 to 16 songs we are working on, but have not decided on the title and date of release of the album.
“We are creating songs with issues that affect women. We believe through our music we can influence change and eliminate political, social and professional discrimination against women.”
Nobuntu embarked on a tour of Europe in December 2014 and are already preparing for a month-long tour of Switzerland, Austria and the Czech Republic pencilled for mid-June to mid-July.
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“Our last tour was very successful and we had a great time performing at old people’s homes, working with different schools and a jazz festival whereby people did not want us to stop performing,” Manhenga said.
“We have been invited back as they appreciate our music. They love the fact that we are from Africa and our music is raw and original.
“I do not think there is a female ensemble that does what Nobuntu does. Our music is ethnic, raw, traditional and we stand out. I believe Ndebele music has not been explored much.”
Apart from recording, the group is currently rehearsing at Ndlovu Youth Centre in Tshabalala.
