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RECORDS: NGENKANI? WELCOME TO ZIMBABWE
Member of: | Imbongi |
| Language: | Ndebele English |
| Genre: | Dub poetry |
| Instrument: | Male vocals |
Articles: Interview with Albert Nyathi
When the great Zimbabwean politician and leader Joshua Nkomo died in 1999, Albert Nyathi, a fellow Ndebele man, was chosen to lead the procession. An accomlished poet, playwrite and master of the spoken word, Nyathi's eulogies and tributes provoked an eruptin of grief among the Ndebele people who had lost their only powerful representative in central government. Albert Nyathi is Zimbabwe's only performing dub poet. Anuone familiar with the work of other southern African performance poets like Mzwake Mbuli will know how powerful a medium the spoken word can be in a country riven by strife and hatred. Imbongi are a polyvalent band who mould their own versions of blues, jazz, contemporary pop and traditional Zimbabwean music to the rhythm of Nyathi's words. Together they have a point of touring extensively in the townships of their native country, bringing their message to people thirty for truth and recouncilation.
Relevant artists: Oliver Mtukudzi Bhundu Boys Thomas Mapfumo Mahotella Queens
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Last Modified:
22 nov 2009
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WELCOME TO ZIMBABWE 
Equator Records/2000
The CD opens with the well known Zimbabwean author Chenjerai Hove's poem, "I Will Not Speak". The poem addresses the misuse of power and corruption in Zimbabwe and is a strong political manifesto, expressed with power by Albert Nyathi and his band, Imbongi.
On stage, as at the 2000 WOMAD festival in Reading, it works splendidly; the rythmic poetry is genuine theatrical expression, especially when added to spectacular dance and a driving band. On disk, without the direct communication with the audience, it's not quite the same. Nyathi and his band have, however, managed fairly well to transfer the material to CD. The disk was recorded in England and is Nyathi and Co.'s fourth release - their first international. There is much catchy and driven music here: Imbongi is a good band with fine expression. The music is a cross between Zimbabwean/South African mbube/mbaqanga in the large arrangements, including brass section. I think, though, the expression is too flat in comparison to what one sees on stage - too pop-orientated. Therefore some of the lyrics sound a little banal. As mentioned, the opening track works very well, as do the ranting "Isavunguzane" and "Thandi", a love song. Albert Nyathi is a fascinating theatrical personality; on the CD he alternates well between English and Ndebele - a 'click-language' - with meaningful effect. But, all in all, the CD doesn't do this group justice; Albert Nyathi & Imbongi are better on stage than on disk. Meaning: The festival arrangers should get to know the group's schedule.
KJØP PLATE Editor: Bjørn-Erik Hanssen
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