Nkosi ka Ndlovu lives up to his totem

Barley six years later, the Nkayi-born gospel musician is no longer just the voice that dominates airplay, he has become one of the true ambassadors of his Zimbabwean homeland in Europe.

The album, which included hit songs like Salibonani and UJesu Usevukile, became an instant hit. At the release of his second offering, Hamba Jonah in 2010, which included the hit song Bayethe KuJesu, the album not only strengthened his position as one of the powerful voices to emerge in gospel music, it also made him an international icon.

It came as no surprise that Ka Ndlovu and his group The Experience performed at a sold-out concert at The Public Theatre in Birmingham, UK, in November 2011. This was followed by another high-profile show at the historic Dudley Concert Hall, where the group unveiled its new songs Uma Abantu Bami (If my people pray), Ndotangira Poi?(Where do I start), Jesus of Nazareth Passeth by and another hit, Sohlala Sithokoza (We’ll always rejoice ). All were original compositions by Nkosi.

Affectionately known as Ithole leNdlovu (the elephant’s calf), he composes his songs based on both the bible and life experiences. He has not forgotten his roots in the dusty Matabeleland North district of Nkayi, where he has become a patron for his former school, Zidulini.

He started a developmental project there in 2009, which benefits from some of the proceeds from his concerts and the sale of his music. “My dream is to see Zidulini rebuilt and children there having a decent education,” said the singer, whose video for the project is readily-available on You Tube.

“You are the holder of the key to your dreams. If you don’t do what you were brought into this world to do, nobody will do it in your stead. Just keep believing and working hard, it’s not always going to be a bed of roses. People may ignore you, laugh at you, fight you – but you will win in the end.”

His advice to those aspiring to make it in life is simple. “Don’t let anyone pull you down. They neither know nor understand your dream and vision. As Zimbabweans, we must learn to work together, help each other and share what we are blessed with. That way we will improve our talents, be it in sports, arts or music. “Our colleagues and neighbours, the South Africans, are a typical example of a nation working together and helping each other. Look at how well their music has developed. I also think as artists, it is paramount that we make a concerted effort to learn other Zimbabwean languages. Language unites people. It cuts across every divide.”

Nkosi spent his teenage years in Nkayi, where he attended Zidulini Primary before he moved to Bulawayo’s Lozikheyi and Sobukhazi for his secondary education. After graduating from Bulawayo Polytechnic, Nkosi worked for Treger Industries at the Travel Goods Manufacturing Division in Bulawayo, before he left for the UK in 2002.

He has also ministered in churches, conferences, camp meetings and social gatherings all over the United Kingdom, both with his band and as a soloist. His music has been well received by people of different nationalities and denominations.

He holds the record for being the only Zimbabwean gospel musician to stage a sold-out show in the UK. His music is a fusion of Southern African music and dance with a mellow English blend. The band’s impressive choreography on stage has often kept audiences on the edges of their seats.

“I hope to stage my first concerts in Zimbabwe and South Africa in August and or September this year. I can’t wait to minister in my motherland, before my own people,” said the artist, who now has three compact discs and two live DVDs, some of which can be bought on I-tunes and through his website at www.nkosikandlovu.co.uk.