Natasha Sipindiye , Sunday News Reporter
A YOUNG Zimbabwean based in Johannesburg, South Africa has vowed to market the Bulawayo brand of music to world, revealing that he will use his links in the industry to further market the city.
Butholezwe Ntini who goes by the stage name “Butholezwe” is an afro fusion artiste (singer and songwriter) born and bred in Bulawayo who ventured into the music industry a few years.
His discography includes an Afro-soul single he released in May 2019 title Ngikonile, a song that showcases the charm and skill of African men when they apologise to their partners. The song was a hit and got airplay on many radio stations in the neighbouring country.
Since then he has had collaborations with famous musicians like Goldent RSA and Beyond Vocal from South Africa.
His music has been featured on local radio stations and some from South Africa such as Skyz Metro, Khulumani FM, Ukhozi, Umhlobo Wenene, Alfred Nzo, Metro and Ligwalagwa.
He has also appeared on popular musical TV channels such as Channel O, Trace Africa, Trace Urban, Mtv Base and Mzansi Magic Music. Ntini was also nominated for two Skyma Awards in 2019, a testament to his hard work and talent.
The musician appears on digital streaming platforms like Audiomack, YouTube and Spotify, with one of his most viewed singles titled Umvuzo.
In an interview with Sunday Life, Ntini said he was born in Bulawayo in July 1994 and grew up surrounded by music in his local church, hence he always dreamt of becoming a musician.
“In the year 2010, we formed an acapella band with my childhood friends. We managed to participate in Starbrite talent search, a local singing competition that aired on ZBC, however, we had to withdraw due to financial difficulties,” he said.
The musician revealed that ever since releasing his single in 2019, he has never looked back, with his goal being to take the Bulawayo brand of music to the world.
“I see a bigger brand in five years’ time, I’ll pioneer Bulawayo music across all corners of the world, I’ll bring more than the music, but healing to the soul through my music. There is so much talent in Bulawayo and I believe anyone who is gifted and committed can do wonders in a collaboration with me, I’d go for the likes of Vuyo Brown, Msizkay, MJ Sings, Vusa Mkhaya Insimbi ZeZhwane, to mention but a few,” he said.