Mollet Ndebele, Sunday Life Reporter
GROWING up in rural Esibomvu in Umzingwane district in Matabeleland South did not deter maskandi maestro Hloniphani Ndlovu from achieving his dream of being a renowned Zimbabwean musician.
Today, Hloniphani well-known as Mhlambi we Zinja stands as one of the distinguished and respected maskandi musicians.
Mhlambi is set to launch his second album, umfanu zo khathal’ umangise khona mina in next month.
Ndlovu said the new album comprises 10 tracks and his best tracks are Ngiyabonga gogo lokhulu (thank you grandfather and grandmother) and Mama wami thulungakhali ( My mother do no cry).
“These are my favourite songs because they talk about my upbringing in the rural areas by my grandparents. Most of the songs basically talk about my life which many born in the rural areas can relate to,” said Ndlovu.
He said his first album put him in the spotlight as he has performed live shows around Bulawayo and outside the city.
“After my first launch I managed to sell over 1 000 copies, with the money that I got I bought new instruments and to fund my second album,” said Mhlambi.
Mhlambi said he is grateful to all local radio stations for playing his music as it has increased his following and he hopes that the second album will bring more fire.
Ndlovu revealed he was inspired by South Africa-based Zimbabwean maskandi award-winning singer, Zinjaziyamluma and South African top artiste, Mtshengiseni Gcwensa. Like most maskandi music, the songs on the album speak to a wide array of societal issues ranging from love, marriage, repentance, heroes, death and injustice.
The musical compositions reflect a gifted composer who ably blends the acoustic guitar base that is a trademark of maskandi and combines them with the keyboard, drums and other instruments. Ndlovu said he hopes to make a break into the maskandi genre despite the fact it is more popular in South Africa than in Zimbabwe.
Born in 1982 in Esigodini, Ndlovu said he intends growing his musical career and hopes his first album will see him performing live at various stages.