The Sunday News
Nigel Siziba, Sunday Life Reporter
UNLIKE a drop of water which loses its identity when it joins the ocean, man does not lose his being in the society in which he lives. Man’s life is independent. He is born not for the development of the society alone, but for the development of his self.
After making it big with Joyous Celebration, Mkhululi Bhebhe felt that he had learnt enough and it was time to apply what he learnt in South Africa and go solo.
In an interview with Sunday Life, he said being at Joyous Celebration was a learning curve.
“Basically being in South Africa was a learning curve, whenever you step onto a stage that you do not know considering I was the first Zimbabwean to ever collaborate or be part of Joyous Celebration, I can summarise and say that it was like a university to me in terms of music,” he said.
Being a member of such a big group also taught him to be humble and have self control.
“I have been in the music industry for sometime before joining Joyous, it takes something to humble yourself if you step into a new territory, as artistes you are bound to have different opinions and there are some egos and you are bound to clash but you lose nothing by taking a step back,” said Bhebhe.
Chasing his solo career has been a long time coming as Joyous does not hinder their artistes from pursuing their individual careers.
“When my career started blossoming some years back I have been juggling between the two for the past five years because Joyous does not stop any of its members to chase their solo careers so it’s been a long time coming,” he explained.
Bhebhe said being a solo artiste has been amazing so far.
“Working on my own has been amazing, I have managed to go all over the world at the same time learning new cultures,” he said.
As a solo musician he has recorded his debut album set to be launched on 15 December.
“I recorded my album last year and it will be launched on the 15th of December at ZITF Hall 3, the concert is running under the theme ‘The Ultimate Praise Experience’ and in this album I fused a lot of sounds from all over the world in countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, SA and I did two of my songs in Sulenum (small country in South America),” said Bhebhe.
The Ultimate Praise Experience is expected to go national.
“My desire is to take this concert to greater heights as this is our first, we will have more to follow in different provinces,” said Bhebhe.
He further said his show is going to feature some budding artistes and groups as a way of giving them a platform to showcase their talents.
“Our fans should also expect local talented artistes and music groups like Nkosi Herman, Family Voices, Vocal X and Hybrid Sounds,” he said.
Bhebhe also unpacked his 2019 calendar, which looks very busy as he already has seven bookings.
“I think 2019 will be a very busy year as I have a lot of bookings all over the world, I have a booking in Switzerland, United Kingdom, USA, South America, Kenya, Australia and Tanzania and my fans should look forward to fresh music every year,” said Bhebhe.
@_sizibanigel
