The Sunday News
Vusumuzi Dube, Online News Editor
AS we continue our countdown to one of the city’s premier arts events, the ROIL Bulawayo Arts Awards (RBAAs) set to crown the crème-dela-crème in the sector, this week Sunday Life looks at the nominees outstanding newcomer of the year across all genres.
The category is meant to celebrate artistes who emerged into the limelight in the past year and made an impact in the sector.
What makes this category even more interesting is that this year it is being sponsored by the nation’s favourite weekend read; Sunday News, as part of the paper’s contribution to the arts industry.
Sunday Life spoke to some of the nominees and each were asked why they believe they deserve the top gong of being the best newcomer.
Lemoniq
Sizane High School A-level pupil, 18-year-old Gugulethu Monica Moyo, known as Lemoniq in music circles is probable living a fairy tale after being nominated in this category.
Lemoniq, who is granddaughter to Minister of State for Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Judith Ncube, announced her arrival on the music scene with an acapella track released in December 2020.
The song, Ngowam’ lo, featuring Umkhathi Theatre Works, was released together with a video and introduces Lemoniq’s singing and song-writing talent, having wrote the song herself.
Asked on why she feels she deserves the gong, she said; “I think I deserve it because I work hard, I work really hard. I also try my best to move to the next level everyday not just after I have released a song but I try to encourage and push myself to be better than yesterday.”
Babongile Sibanda
“I deserve this award because I am talented, I can sing like nobody’s business, ngiyahlabela mina.”
These were the words of Sibanda in boldly declaring that the best new comer award was his. This is an artiste who turned being in the special class in his seven years at primary school into an inspiration.
Babongile Sibanda
He only started writing with a pen in Form One but immediately showed all and sundry that he had a specialty not only in song writing but singing as well.
“Most people who see me do not think I am a musician, they only believe it when I start singing…as I grow my art in the next five years I want to see myself having grown as an artiste not only to be recognised in the whole nation but also in the international scene,” said Sibanda.
Sandra Sibanda
QOKI eZimbabwe! This was Sibanda’s bold statement when she announced her entry into the arts scene this year through her track Qoki, which is Ndebele for knocking.
Hailing from the mining town of Gwanda, Sibanda is a valuable asset to the nation as she works as a registered general nurse at Gwanda Provincial Hospital.
Sandra Sibanda
As a newbie in the music industry, the gospel songstress released her debut album through singles. The first track that was released was Umqaliwendaba followed by Qoki, Bamba, Amacala, Konakele and Babawethu.
In 2018, she auditioned for the Harvest Music Super Choir and was selected to be a backing vocalist at their At the Altar DVD recording in 2019. The recording at the ZITF featuring Minister Takesure Zama and Hle Ntombela.
“As for whether I deserve the top gong or not, I will leave it to the public and the judges for them to decide whether I deserve this award. I am encouraging those that have not checked my music to go and check it out,” said Sibanda.
Mamozi
During his days at Iyasa, Roben “Mamozi” Mlauzi was described as an unconventional dancer, one who would break all the rules, but yet leave the audience in awe of his top-drawer performances.
The Czech Republic-based artiste who is a singer, songwriter, dancer, percussionist and comedian released his debut music single, Wongo, this year.
Mamozi
His musical project is a long-kept project that he harboured since his days at Iyasa.
Mamozi’s artistic talent was honed in Bulawayo under the tutelage of Iyasa founder, Nkululeko Dube.
“I think I deserve this award because my music is different, my style is different and this genre is a new style and system that I brought to the city. My music is creative, it’s talking to the people, it’s about stories, and it’s about day to day lives.
“My creativity around my music is what makes me different from other artistes, this genre is one of a kind and I deserve this award because I feel I brought a new life to the City of Bulawayo,” said Mamozi when asked why he felt he deserved the award.
