Godknows Mdudula Ndebele wants to address this injustice through his involvement with the genre as both a musician and promoter. He believes it is high time people began to respect rhumba and that it should share space with sungura at the apex of Zimbabwe’s music log.
The 27-year-old Ndebele is the founder and front-man for Malaba Shining Stars, a Johannesburg-based rhumba group that has released five albums and a DVD since it was formed in 2006.
“The disrespect that comes from even some people from Matabeleland, who should be pushing a case for the genre, is a big cause for concern,” said the Kezi-born singer. “With enough respect, recognition, sponsorship and marketing, rhumba can put Zimbabwe high on the international entertainment map, but the stigmatisation and stereotyping from some fans and the corporate world has put paid to that.”
Besides self-sponsored shows in Zimbabwe, South Africa and Botswana, rhumba musicians have found no luck in trying to break into the international stage, with Mokis Connection’s six-month tour of Algeria in 2007 being the only notable achievement of a rhumba outfit.
This is a far cry from the attention, fame and fortune behind its main competitor, sungura, where musicians like Alick Macheso have toured places as far as the United Kingdom. Sungura has also dominated local musical galas, airplay and awards ceremonies, while rhumba continues to pay the price for its lack of support. Yet is the main music for the people of Matabeleland, especially those coming from Plumtree, Tsholotsho and Lupane.
“There are more than 30 rhumba music groups here in South Africa alone and while they have made a mark for themselves in the neighbouring country, they have continued to be shunned back home by both promoters and most radio stations,” said the Kezi-born Ndebele.
The most notable difference between rhumba and sungura is that the former is done in a faster beat, yet it has continued to be referred to as meant for the “uncivilised”.
Ndebele is very popular in Matabeleland with his band and wants to use that fame to show that not only does the genre deserve acclaim, but can also be a good source of income for those who are in it with a passion.
“Very few companies are willing to promote and market rhumba and this has affected the music’s progress,” added the man who also doubles as a marketer, distributor and promoter. I realised that I would not do much if I just released albums and allowed them to be looked down upon while mourning the unfair treatment we get and that pushed me to start my own company, Malaba Shining Stars Records.
“It would be unfair for us to blame broadcasters because they are doing their best – it is the listeners who overlook rhumba and speak ill of it”
With more of its musicians now having migrated to South Africa, where they have found better support, rhumba has become the main beat with migrants, who are not embarrassed to play it in their vehicles wherever they travel.
“There are still some people, especially in Bulawayo, who would rather play South African music because they claim rhumba is for the uneducated and uncivilised, but that is just as good as people turning their backs on themselves because rhumba is one of the few beats we can call our own,” added Ndebele.
Through his company, Ndebele wants to spread the appreciation for rhumba throughout the country by identifying and bringing young talent to the fore. “That way, we will be able to keep the beat going and appreciated. I am already doing my part here in South Africa, where I have held shows in different cities and places, from where I am now getting orders from even non-Zimbabweans.”
Malaba is also fighting to restore unity in the genre, which has been torn apart by fighting among musicians and fans.
Post published in: News