The Sunday News
Peter Matika, Senior Life Reporter
TWO brothers from Bulawayo’s Makokoba suburb will this July get a chance to rub shoulders with some of Hollywood’s crème de la crème, as they will be representing Zimbabwe in the annual World Championships of the performing Arts.
The brothers Sibusiso and Sifiso Ndlovu, aged 10 and six respectively, were nominated to perform last year but failed to attend due to lack of funds.
The event will run for 10 days, as it is scheduled to kick off on 30 June and will run until 9 July.
It will be held in Los Angeles, where a number of countries from around the world are expected to converge for the arts fest.
The brothers, taking after their talented father, who happens to be Drums of Peace founder, Lewis Ndlovu will be playing the djembe drums in their set.
In an interview with Sunday Life the boys said they were excited to have been awarded the chance to see the world like their well-travelled father.
“We are excited to be going to America. We are going to see great actors and artistes at the event,” said the ecstatic brothers, saying they wanted to see the home of iconic artistes such as the late Michael Jackson.
The brothers both attend St Patrick’s School in Makokoba, where they are now regarded “rock stars”, following their debut performance at the school on St Patrick’s Day on 17 March this year.
Their father Lewis said he too was happy to see the boys excel in the arts, as it was one industry that could change their lives forever.
“As a father I am pleased to see my boys having the chance to travel and also to have an interest in the arts,” said Lewis.
He said they started off modestly and that they grew to like playing the djembe, which they play with no hassle.
“They practice almost on a daily basis. They love playing the drums and I am proud of them. They are a product of a successful Drums of Peace initiative — Khanyisa Isibane Drumming School (Kids). I hope they will spearhead it themselves as they grow and will work towards developing it,” said Lewis.
He added that the drumming school had so far enrolled 23 children.
“They are working hard and practising to showcase their talents on 29 April during the World Dance Day commemorations.
They will showcase their talent at Thabiso Youth Centre in Makokoba,” he said.
Lewis wished the boys well, saying that he hoped they would scoop a prize.
“If they manage to win I hope they will use whatever they receive to promote other youths and invest in the youth centre,” he said.
Lewis said they were also appealing for sponsorship for the trip to enable the boys to fit in among other artistes comfortably.
“We have secured their air tickets and we are working on sorting out their accommodation there. We are therefore appealing to well-wishers to assist us there. We are working towards creating a trust fund for them, which we will make known as soon as it is done. For now people can reach me on 0772719412,” said Lewis.
@peterkmatika
