The Sunday News
Peter Matika Senior Reporter
JAZZ is no stranger to all-female ensembles. They have been a vital component in the industry since the rise of the genre reportedly in the mid-1920s, when Helen Lewis and Her All-Girl Jazz Syncopators found success in Europe.To date there are many all-female Jazz bands across the world in the male-dominated entertainment industry.
With females seemingly rising from the ashes and penetrating the industry, a new local all-female Jazz band — One Stand band was recently formed and is out to enchant the audiences with their angelic voices.
The band comprises a five all-female live band that performs renditions of musical legends such as Miriam Makeba, Thandiswa Mazwai, Siphokazi, Lira, and Judith Sephuma.
The band of course also writes and performs its own music, which can be described as a sultry fusion of Afro pop and Jazz.
“The One Stand band are the latest Jazz sensation right now and their performance is suitable for weddings, corporate events and birthday parties. For weddings, we add a personal touch by performing love songs from a list compiled by none other than the couples themselves.
“These are songs that the couples would have chosen to dedicate to each other, a very unique way for them to express their undying love for each other,” said the band manageress Michelle Madau.
The band mates are National Arts Merit Award (Nama) winner Qeqeshiwe Mntambo, who is no novice in the entertainment circles as she has worked with the likes of Intombi Zomqangala, Umkhathi Theatre Works, Zimnyama, and Bambatha Actors’ Centre.
Novuyo and Ntombiyolwandle Dube, the two loveable pint size twins who have also worked with the same groups including Umoja CFC, Bashupi, Edith WeUtonga and Sunshine Music Studios.
“One will also notice that in terms of music, their characters are portrayed in their song choices. Also, we are truly humbled and blessed to be working with veteran guitarist — Hudson Simbarashe. He is one of the most distinguished guitarists in Bulawayo and has worked with the likes of Leonard Dembo, Thomas Mapfumo, Edith WeUtonga, Jazz Impacto and Fivefold band just to mention a few,” said Madau.
One Stand band was formed this year, after the three girls approached Madau, who runs The Divas Inc, an event, and artiste Management Company that has worked with the likes of Zimbabwe’s kwaito star Pozee and Skhu.
“They wanted to pursue their music careers, prior to that they have been working with me as professional dancers and actresses. The girls have such a strong and amazing bond and work well together such that it wasn’t hard to put the band together.
“They met in junior school and have been inseparable since then. This made it even easier for us to come up with the name “One Stand” which simply means firmly ground and unshakeable,” she said.
She said the girls were light hearted individuals and were destined to make waves in the industry that would likely see them travelling across the country’s borders soon.
“I thoroughly enjoy working with this team as they are so full of energy and drive. Rehearsal time is one of my favourite as it’s always fun but amid the laughter, they come out with beautiful acts.
“The combination of the old and new generation of artistes and of course their interestingly well-choreographed dance moves is what makes One Stand band stand out,” added Madau.
