The Chronicle
Bongani Ndlovu, Showbiz Reporter
November 12, 2022, will go down within the historical past of the humanities in Bulawayo and Zimbabwe, not solely as a celebration of Sandra Ndebele’s 20-year profession however because the day an album launch united the humanities sector.
Sandra launched her tenth album on the ZITF Corridor 3 in Bulawayo on Saturday night time. The occasion was a end result of her 20 years within the arts sector since 2002 when she launched her first tune, Mama.
The launch, since its announcement, was the discuss of the nation because it was to many music followers, a “must-attend occasion”.
It was due to this fact, not a shock when folks from far and broad braved the Saturday night to attend the launch.
Sandra proved that she nonetheless has the pull that many artistes can solely dream of because the launch which was streamed stay on Fb, was watched by 1000’s.
Within the viewers, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube, Deputy Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Tino Machakaire, Ladies Affairs, Neighborhood, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Minister Dr Sithembiso Nyoni and Zimbabwe Music Awards (Zima) chief govt officer Mr Purpose “Rizzla” Sibanda had been in attendance. Personalities, Madam Boss, Mai TT, and Lorraine Guyo additionally attended.
Sandra Ndebele presents her auctioned CD to Professor Mthuli NcubeThe high-powered Authorities delegation pledged its assist for the artiste by shopping for the album for a mixed whole of over US$30 000.
After launching the album, an public sale was initiated and Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube purchased the album for US$8 500, setting the tone for the night time. He went on stage and was introduced with the album by Sandra.
Thereafter, Deputy Minister Machakaire went on stage and whipped up the gang, with the assistance of DJ Eugy, by singing a rendition of Lovemore Majaivana’s tune UMoya Wami. He then mentioned since he gave Alick Macheso US$10 000 for his album launch, for Sandra Ndebele he was pledging US$13 000. He obtained wild cheers from the gang for this gesture.
The celebrations continued through the second spherical of auctions when Zima boss Rizzla purchased the album for US$4 500. Actress, Madam Boss additionally took to the stage within the firm of social media sensation, Lorraine Guyo and mentioned she would purchase the album for US$1 000. Lorraine Guyo mentioned she would half with US$100.
Sandra with ProfessorNative music promoter Rice additionally pledged US$1 000 and the Younger Ladies for Economical Growth mentioned they might purchase the album for $500 whereas the organisation’s chairperson Tatenda Mavetera pledged US$1 000.
SMEs Minister Dr Nyoni pledged 4 cows.
Fellow artistes that had been there in assist of the occasion that was hosted by Babongile Sikhonjwa and Zaza The Zazalicious One included Jeys Marabini and Novuyo Seagirl.
Friends and followers began trickling in as early as 5PM with most ready patiently for the album launch to start out.
The supporting acts, a few of who had been mentored by Sandra Ndebele gave an excellent account of themselves. The opening act, Okay Mimi appears to have a promising profession if her efficiency is something to go by. La Dee additionally introduced some curiosity to the album launch.
The lengthy hours of rehearsals appeared to have paid off for Sandy as her 20-member dance crew supported her very properly. Sandy, a former member of Iyasa is from a performing arts background and it was telling by means of her well-choreographed presentation on stage.
But it surely ought to be talked about that in some cases, it seemed too crowded on stage and an even bigger stage might have addressed the problem.
One other factor moreover enjoying backtracks, Sandra Ndebele had backing vocalists for all her songs and a stay band for a few of them.
The ten-track album is a combination Masala because it has somewhat little bit of every little thing from Zimdancehall with Kadija, Afro-Pop with Platform One and Amapiano with Professor and Mr Brown. A number of the notable songs are Indaba Zabantu. These in attendance had the chance to look at the monitor being carried out stay by the 2 artistes.
One other monitor to look out for is one with Mai TT titled Mas’bambaneni. It speaks in regards to the significance of unity and has excessive power. Sandra Ndebele sings components in isiNdebele and Mai TT sings components in Shona.
When Mai TT bought on stage, the auditorium went into delirium and being the performer that she is, she knew the best way to work the stage and gelled properly with Sandy.
Soulful musician X-Mile who can also be featured on the album joined Sandy for the efficiency of their monitor, Ama Selfie which may be a love tune prone to be in style with lovers.
The tune Sarah Bartmaan with Professor, not as hard-hitting as Lizwile, didn’t get the gang on its toes as anticipated. The tune speaks on the plight of females being objectified sexually by society making them liable to abuse, one thing Sandra Ndebele has spoken about. To make up for the lukewarm reception that the tune obtained, the duo carried out their 2017 hit, Lizwile, which bought the gang on its toes and singing alongside. This was the primary time they carried out the monitor stay on stage.
The grand finale was befitting to be reserved for Platform One because the group is near Sandra Ndebele’s coronary heart. The South African group carried out at Sandra Ndebele’s wedding ceremony some 11 years in the past and on Saturday night time, they shared the stage to carry out a collaborative monitor, Umuzi.
Because the festive season is upon us, it might be one of many wedding ceremony songs that {couples} can dance to.
The message on Umuzi talks in regards to the chores that married {couples} are imagined to do.
All in all, the message is evident on the album because it takes one on a journey from the start of Sandra Ndebele’s profession to the current day.
One thing that shouldn’t be forgotten is Sandra Ndebele’s outfits on stage. She had a stylish black quantity for her Amapiano tracks and went conventional on Umuzi.
Closing off the launch at midnight was a efficiency by DJ Liz and Loopy Dee.
