The Sunday News
Ngqwele Dube Sunday Leisure Correspondent
AFTER a five-year hiatus from performing in Canada, world-acclaimed imbube outfit, Black Umfolosi returned to the North American country for a resounding tour that saw them attract full houses leading to several other venues booking them for next year. The group left for Canada in early November, kicking off their tour on 5 November and went on to perform at 28 venues covering the length and breadth of that country.
The ensemble returned home on Sunday and one of the group’s members, Thomeki Dube said it was good to be back in Canada and their return was made more pleasant by the overwhelming response they got from their audience.
He said a wrangle between two music agencies, one in Canada and another in the United Kingdom had made it difficult for them to tour the former.
“We were contracted to a music agency in the United Kingdom but they failed to agree with the Canada-based Jensen Music International leading to our failure to perform in Canada for the past five years. It was only after we read the riot act to our UK agency that we did manage to negotiate with Jensen.
“It was untenable that we fail to go to Canada because of their differences, losing income in the process.
“However, it was clear our audiences were missing our shows as they flocked to venues we were performing at,” he said.
Dube added they had already been booked for performances next year in the country.
Black Umfolosi performed in venues such as Glasgow Square Theatre in New Glasgow, Immaculata Auditorium in Antigonish, Capitol Centre in North Bay, Hugh’s Room in Toronto and Performance Works in Vancouver among other places.
Dube said they were in for a surprise when their Sherwood Park show was filled with Zimbabweans based in Canada, adding it was delightful to see them throng the venue, Festival Place and support them.
Other members of the group who were part of the Canada tour include Sotsha Moyo, Austin Chisale, Aleck Ncube, Brian Moyo and Thethela Moyo.
He said they were looking forward to releasing their next offering, “Umhlaba” which they were putting final touches on.
Dube said the 12-track album would remain true to their imbube tradition with some tracks backed by acoustic instruments.
Formed in 1982, Black Umfolosi is one of the most travelled groups in the country having toured Asia, Australia, America and Europe during their three decades in the music industry.
The group recently walked away with the Best Acapella Album award at the 2014 Zimbabwe Music Awards.
