Nobuntu is an Acappella Vocal ensemble made up of young women from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Their repertoire is a fusion of traditional
Zimbabwean rooted music, Afro Jazz, Gospel and Crossover in pure voices with minimalistic percussion, traditional instruments such as Mbira and some dance movements.
GROUP MEMBERS
Zanele Manhenga
Zanele Manhenga aka Uzah is a singer-songwriter poet who has been singing since the age of 10. She has worked with numerous artists locally and internationally for the past 10 years and she is part of a very vibrant all-female acapella group Nobuntu. To date, Uzahh has released a single entitled “Nginje”. Uzah believes music is a tool that can bring about social change her music compositions depict that whenever she writes.
Thandeka Moyo
Singer, is a songwriter who is also a Fashion Designer and Make-up Artist. Discovered her talents in St Columbus High School. She was part of the School choir which 8 years later designed the School choir uniforms to partake in the District level competitions. Thandeka believes music brings people together.
Duduzile Sibanda
Musician, Songwriter, Writer
and Session musician. Started singing at an early age at church gatherings and school. “Music is my first love and passion and through it I live”.
Heather Dube
Musician, Songwriter, Dancer and Percussionist
Joyline Sibanda
Started dancing and singing at the early age of 12. “I love what I do”
Nobuntu is an Acappella Vocal ensemble made up of young women from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Their repertoire is a fusion of traditional Zimbabwean-rooted music, Afro Jazz, Gospel and Crossover in pure voices with minimalistic percussion, traditional instruments such as Mbira and some dance movements.
Nobuntu is a production identified by its concept and philosophy; a new generation of young women singers who celebrate and preserve their culture, beauty and heritage through art. This production was founded in 2011 after realizing the absence of an all-female professional Acappella group in Bulawayo and Zimbabwe as a whole.
The ensemble’s mission is the belief that music is the most important and original wheel of change, a way of expression of a new generation of young women singers with uniqueness to transcend racial, tribal, religious, gender and economic boundaries. Nobuntu celebrates through their songs and dances the identity of being an African woman. Their voices, energy and their breathtaking performance. On Stage is an experience that
communicates with the human side of anyone.
The release of their debut album in 2013 titled THINA immediately took them beyond the borders to countries such as Austria, Germany, Belgium and The Czech Republic playing in concert halls, theatres and festivals such as “Voice Mania” in Vienna and “Trans-Vocal” in Frankfurt Oder in Germany. The name “Nobuntu” Is an African concept that values humbleness, love, purpose, unity and family from a woman’s perspective.
Is there a story or a concept behind the name Nobuntu?
Yes, we are the concept of the young generation of women who celebrate their culture through song and dance and the name Nobuntu means mother of humanity what best person then is a mother to instil such values in a society.
How would you guys describe the Nobuntu musical journey so far?
Our musical journey has been challenging and exciting. We could say we have grown musically.
What is the concept or idea behind your latest album title?
Our latest album is titled EKHAYA we really hope people will get to experience our home Zimbabwe n Africa as a whole through the songs that are in the album.
How would you describe your creative process in song compositions?
We are blessed to have the majority of us as composers so the creative process is an individual experience. However, a song is brought to the group and we work at it to have a final product.
What are the upcoming events, shows and performances?
We are working on another video for a song on our album. We are definitely looking at touring this year. We will keep you posted on the year’s unveils.
