Sandra Ndebele a serious brand

22 Mar, 2015 - 11:03 0 Views
Sandra Ndebele a serious brand Sandra Ndebele

The Sunday News

Sandra Ndebele

Sandra Ndebele

Like her or hate her Sandra Ndebele is a pacesetter in the region’s arts sector. I am yet to come across someone with her initiative and business sense. Without doubt Sandra Ndebele is the leading female artiste in Bulawayo and Matabeleland. Currently she leads in the number of collaborations done by Bulawayo artistes with artistes from outside Bulawayo. Her new album, which includes songs done with Jah Prayzah and a South African group whose name escapes me is a testimony of her belief in the power of collaboration. Last Thursday, Bulawayo first lady of music — allow me to call her that — launched her seventh album at the Large City Hall in style. The event was a top drawer one, attracting politicians, business people, artistes and music lovers in general. The venue itself was transformed; the normally dull Large City Hall stage oozed life. High class tables and cutlery, good food and the dressed up crowds made it an evening to remember. Babongile Sikhonjwa and Clive Chigubhu who were MCs killed it once more with their brand of humour and flawless presentation.

Looking back I must admit most of us made the mistake of judging Sandra Ndebele as just another raunchy dancer. She may have been that many years ago but not anymore. Many of us are guilty of not having taken enough time to look beyond the image the media had constructed around Sandra Ndebele, that of a sexy dancer with nothing but dance moves choreographed to make men ogle and salivate without shame. Of course this was all in a bid to sell not just the young artiste but the papers as well. However, years later, Sandra Ndebele has gone on to prove many of us wrong. She has survived criticism, bad mouthing, and a lot of negatives to emerge a winner and a true example what a focused artiste can achieve.

Like her or hate her, Sandra Ndebele has become a brand. A serious brand for that matter. This fact was very clear at the launch last Thursday. The corporate world came to support her. Not many events get the kind of endorsements she got. Honestly speaking Sandra’s launch was the biggest album launch ever to take place in Bulawayo. It was pleasing to see the different companies, some in their branded t-shirts, who had bought tables. That she is a brand is also evidenced by the number of companies and organisations that have entrusted their brands with her. Currently Sandra Ndebele is Brand Ambassador for Blood Transfusion, Mpilo Central Hospital, Zimbabwe Traffic and Safety Council and also for Suzuki Cars. Now that is some serious achievement. Here is a young woman transforming her talent into proper business potential. She is now a typical personification of the saying “the arts are a business”.

It was very good seeing other artistes coming to support her. Jeys Marabini was there. So was Martin Sibanda of Ndolwane, Jah Prayzah, Sotsha Moyo of Black Umfolosi, Nash, X-mile and other notable artistes and arts personalities. More pleasing was the turn out. Bulawayo people really turned up to support. This year I must say I have been pleasantly surprised by people of Bulawayo. All along we have been complaining about lack of support from the region but of late Bulawayo people have been coming to arts events in numbers. I have seen good crowds at the launch of Family Voices’ album. There was an overwhelming crowd at the premier of Qiniso – The Movie. Good crowds were witnessed at the theatre show The Taking. And recently excellent crowds were at Sandra Ndebele’s album launch. One is tempted to ask what has really happened. Has Bulawayo had a change of heart and decided to support her own? Is this a passing phase or artistes are yet to see more support from Bulawayo? Only time will tell. As for Sandra Ndebele all one can say is good event management, good hustling, top class event. Now what is left is for people to buy the album and continue to support your music.

Away from local entertainment I recently watched a series entitled Empire. I am a self-confessed series lover – especially intelligent series. The first series I fell in love with was 24. The adventures of Jack Bauer and company . . . After that I got hooked to The Good Wife. Who doesn’t love a well written and intriguing legal drama? After that it was Scandal and its politics of heart, then How to get away with murder. I have just added Empire to my list of favourite series. Now if you haven’t seen this one look for it and watch it. It’s a black series about a successful black family. The storytelling is brilliant.

Now give me powerful characters with flaws anytime and I will love them like crazy. Empire gives you that and more. The acting is brilliant. Terrence Howard and Teraji P. Henson blew me with their interpretation of Luscious Lion and Cookie Lion. The music is breathtaking. Now this is a series to watch and enjoy with the whole family. An inspiring piece of storytelling . . . Look for it if you haven’t watched it.

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