The Sunday News
Bhekumuzi Ncube, Sunday Life Reporter
THE City of Kings made it clear that traditional genres are still prized after culture enthusiasts, Madlela Sikhobokhobo and Zinjaziyaluma walked away big victors at the successful inaugural Skyz Metro FM Awards held recently at the Large City Hall.
Sikhobokhobo and Zinjaziyamluma are among the remaining Bulawayo artistes who have resisted abandoning genres such as Maskandi for foreign ones.
Maskandi and rhumba have largely been ignored by budding artistes who view them as backward and outdated.
Maskandi sensation, Zinjaziyamluma has continued providing people in the City of Kings with the traditional Ndebele folk music. The scintillating sound of drums, guitars and his beautiful voice has often left fans breathless. It is the kind of genre that raises emotions, makes people have a good time, hitting up parties with friends while others get alcohol flowing.
Zinjaziyamluma’s fabulous work was honoured with Skyz Metro FM Ingwebu People’s Choice Best Male award.
Same goes with Sikhobokhobo who has undoubtedly been one of the busiest artistes in the City of Kings, wowing people in celebratory occasions where liquor is always part of the equation.
His foot-stopping hit, Ngamnanka deservedly won the Song of the Year accolade as truly, the song lit 2017. It is one kind of track that has enabled imbibers to drink away the pain of heartbreak in the process paying homage to popping bottles in pubs and night clubs.
Victory of the two kings highlights that Bulawayo has stood firm and prevented the city from being heavily influenced by foreign genres that are disturbing other African societies.
Sunday Life contacted Sikhobokhobo to express his feelings and the way forward after bagging the Best Song of the Year award. The Ngamnanka hit maker said he was humbled by fans’ support and it was truly special that locals were fully backing traditional genres.
“It’s an amazing experience to witness people gradually appreciating our efforts and that’s a good sign that soon we will move away from the shadow of South African music. We are slowly finding our arts identity and people will always support fully cooked products. What we need is for all media platforms to push us more and market us to our people. Zimbabweans should enjoy what is local and cultural to them and avoid supporting foreign music,” he said.
It was not the first time that Ngamnanka hit has been honoured; the hit previously won the Song of the Year gong at the Bulawayo Arts Awards this year.
Sikhobokhobo said it has always been a dream to share his talent with people and the fact that it was now happening was something he will forever be grateful to God for.
“If people believe in their talents, they will achieve great things in future. The massive support of fans shows that my band and I have done what the public loves. Indeed a dream never dies; I dreamt of this, and now I’m living that dream. People should value our cultural traditions and avoid being misled by cultural imperialism,” he said. -@NcubeBhekumuzi
