The Johannesburg-based singer, who is enjoying success with his debut album, “Iphikankani”, bemoaned the erosion of culture and tradition. He said the popularity of European music threatened future generations’ focus and knowledge of who they really are.
“I am not against any kind of music but I am saying that while we welcome international genres, we should also have a great number of local musicians who dwell on traditional music like mbira, muchongoyo and maskandi, which will keep us in touch with our roots,” said the musician, born Lawrence Ncube in Plumtree.
Ncube seeks to plug the gap opened by the death of Fanyana Dube and the “retirement” of Lovemore Majaivana, who tried to preserve Ndebele traditional music.
“I am worried about the erosion of our culture, which will leave our future generations with nothing to hold on to. My aim is to take my clansmen way back in time and make them conscious of their own traditional music,” said the 30-year-old singer.
“I come from a place where, whenever we have family gatherings, we usually sing traditional music. I decided that I should record some of the songs so that the whole nation shares in the rich traditional music we have as a people. I am glad that the new album has been well received. That has given me the energy and zeal to compose more songs for my next album. I have also performed at various places, promoting the album and the appreciation I keep receiving shows how thirsty people have been for this kind of music.”
The singer, whose 10-track album has enjoyed fair airplay on Zimbabwean radio stations, said he was looking forward to seeing more musicians and other artists take up tradition as a way of entertaining their audiences.
Post published in: Entertainment