Ngomayabo (37), also a founder member and co-lead singer for Johannesburg-based Zimbabwean gospel group, Amakholwa Amahle, made history last year when she performed at the World Cup opening ceremony at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.
Already referred to as Zimbabwe’s answer to South Africa’s renowned “Queen of Gospel”, Rebecca Malope, the Plumtree-born artist, said the second album was part of her endeavour to cement her place in the music industry.
The 10-track album “Ngivulele Nkosi” will be launched amid pomp and fanfare in the Hillbrow Theatre, Johannesburg, this coming Saturday, in an event that will also see several Zimbabwean acts taking to the stage to support Ngomayabo.
“I am still a member of Amakholwa Amahle, but I have decided to launch my solo career so that I fulfil my potential in music, which I have now taken as a fulltime career,” she told The Zimbabwean.
“I like music very much and while some of my colleagues at Amakholwa Amahle have day jobs, I have decided to take singing as a professional career, hence this decision to go solo.”
The artist, who pledged her continued support to the group in which she cut her teeth, said that she offers a distinct tune and type of music from what the group is known for, thereby offering variety to her fans.
“Most of my songs as Tholakele are derived from life experiences of the people and thus, appeals to them, as I sing about social life issues and also preach the gospel at the same time,” she added.
“I have therefore, decided to hold a launch ceremony for my second album so that I formally introduce myself to the people, make them know me and perform live for them to enjoy. It is also part of a way of reaching out to the corporate world so that we are enabled to grow the Zimbabwean music industry here in South Africa and back home.”
Her ultimate aim is to build a brand around the name “Tholakele”, which will be acceptable in the music industry, not only by the people of Zimbabwe, but those in South Africa as well.
“It has not been difficult for me to break into the local music industry because I have not hidden myself, but I have reached out to them carrying my proud identity as a Zimbabwean and that way, the locals have accepted me,” she said.
“I also participate in joint shows, collaborations and anti-piracy activities with them, while also joining various local organizations that empower artists.”
Ndlovu was born at Mdanyazana in Plumtree, Matabeleland South. Her music is marketed and distributed by Usizo Promotions, a company owned by her husband, Dominic Ndlovu.
In Zimbabwe, she has shared the stage with the likes of Charles Charamba, Mokis Connection and Jeys Marabini, among other big name musicians.
Post published in: Entertainment