A five-member One Stand group has taken up the challenge to fill the female band gap that had become apparent in the Bulawayo music scene over the past few years.
BY NONHLANHLA SIBANDA
The band is made out of vocalist and Nama award winner Qeqeshiwe Mntambo who has worked with Intombi zomqanagala and Umkhathi Theatre Works, Novuyo and Ntombiyolwandle Dube – loveable pint sized twins who have worked with Umoja, CFC, Bashupi and Edith Weutonga – performing covers of old school classics by Miriam Makeba, Thandiswa Mazwai, Siphokazi, Lira and Judith Sephuma.
One Stand was formed early this year with the help of manager Michelle Sibanda who doubles up as owner of Divas Incorporated, an events and artist management company that has signed kwaito stars Pozee and S’khululekile Mpofu, aka S’ku who recently made a comeback to the music scene.
Speaking to Southern Eye Lifestyle Sibanda said she was elated at the opportunity to work with the female band.
“The girls have such a strong and amazing bond and work well together such that it wasn’t hard to put the band together,” she said.
“They met in junior school and have been inseparable since then. This made it even easier for us to come up with the name One Stand which simply means firmly grounded and unshakeable.
“They have their own compositions, fusions of afro pop and jazz appropriate for weddings, corporate events and birthday parties. We are truly humbled and blessed to be working Matthew on the keyboard and guitarist, Hudson Simbarashe, whose career began professionally 15 years ago.
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He has worked with Leonard Dembo, Thomas Mapfumo and Edith WeUtonga, among other musicians. I thoroughly enjoy working with this team as they are so full of energy and drive. The combination of the old and new generations is what makes the band stand out,” she added.
One Stand performs at corporate events and local hotels. They would perform at Cape to Cairo pub and restaurant this weekend.
