The Sunday News
Fairness Moyana Sunday Leisure Correspondent
FROM the dusty and rugged environs of Lupane to sharing the stage with the country’s crème de la crème in the arts industry and making a name for himself by becoming the first poet from Matabeleland North to clinch the coveted National Arts Merit Award (NAMA) prize in the spoken word genre, Obert Dube is not one to sit back and bask in the pride of winning.
The youthful, pint-sized but energetic poet popularly known by his legions of fans as Isibani Sami says he is still ecstatic about winning the outstanding poetry award at the recent held ceremony and is now looking beyond the achievement by focusing on his latest album.
“I’m still on cloud nine after winning this award. I didn’t even think my album would be nominated. However, I have not let too much excitement get into my way as I have just finished working on my latest album,” said Dube.
According to Dube, his latest album titled, We Are One, is a non-racial and non-tribal offering that seeks to unify the diverse cultures found in the country and the continent as a whole.
He said he has spiced it up with a guitar and included some English lyrics in an effort to broaden its market scope as well as include the international audience.
The Victoria Falls based artiste said he had tried to conserve the natural order of poetry by not overly corrupting it.
Dube, a teacher said he drew his inspiration from popular South African musician, Bhekumuzi Luthuli who sings in a poetic manner.
“I have added a guitar and some English lines in my latest album so that I can appeal to a wide audience. The ultimate goal is to please my fans who have been very supportive and have been advising me on how I can make an impact in the entertainment industry.
“This album literally talks about the need to unite for the development of the entire human race regardless of colour, creed or tribe. It talks about love for one another as instructed by the Almighty,” said Dube.
He said he was working on raising funds to ensure a colourful launch of the album in the resort town of Victoria Falls before the end of the month.
Dube was born in 1984 in Dandanda, Lupane. He started his poetry career as an acapella imbube singer with a Victoria Falls based group Ubuntu Bobuntu.
He said his first album Uhambo Lwami (My Journey) was inspired by his late mother Restina Sibanda and the difficulties that he went through while growing up.
“I come from a poor background where I was raised by my late mother. She was a strong woman who made me what I am to today. My first album was a chronicle of my life and all that I went through. The challenges that I faced, however, made me stronger and more determined than ever,” he said.
The firebrand poet has performed at various high-level platforms which include national, regional and international events.
