The Sunday News
Mbongeni Msimanga
ONCE famed for singing traditional music, world acclaimed Imbube outfit Black Umfolosi has now ventured into gospel music as part of efforts by the group to rebrand and widen its fan base.
Cumbersome as the task may seem, the efforts of rebranding has been warmly welcomed by both local and foreign fans as the group seek to fuse both traditional and gospel music.
Their last international show that was held in Canada was sold out as it featured some of their gospel tracks.
“We are doing both traditional and gospel music, but our music now has more of gospel flair. I can safely say this is part of rebranding and so far our fans, both local and foreign have welcomed the idea,” said group member Thomeki Dube.
Dube, however, said it was easier for the well travelled group to sing gospel as it conveyed a message that was easy to understand.
Although the concept may be new to their fans, Dube said they would not abandon their traditional followers but instead it was a way of expanding their fan base.
“I believe that gospel music is easier to understand and it conveys a clear message. The concept may be new to fans but we will not discard those who used to follow our traditional songs,” he said.
He added that all members in the ensemble were now born again members of the Pentecostal churches and they were happy having an element of religion as part of their songs.
However, Black Umfolosi’s message of peace, love and understanding between cultures has not changed.
“All members of the group are born again members of Pentecostal churches. Our message will not change as we still continue preaching the message of peace and love,” said Dube.
The all male ensemble is set to tour Canada at the end of July and is also set for a month long tour of Europe in September.
Black Umfolosi has performed at venues such as Glassgow Square Theatre in New York, Immaculata Auditorium in Antigonish, Capitol Centre in North Bay, Hugh’s Room in Toronto and Performance Works in Vancouver among other places
Formed in 1982, Black Umfolosi is one of the most travelled groups in the country having toured Asia, Australia, America and Europe during the three decades they have been in the music industry.
The group recently walked away with the best acapella album award at the 2014 Zimbabwe Music Awards.
