RENOWNED historian Pathisa Nyathi has urged people to take Imbube music seriously so that the next generation identifies itself and their culture with the traditional music genre.
BY SINDISO DUBE
Imbube is a form of vocal music made popular in South Africa by groups such as Lady Smith, Black Mambazo. Locally, Amabhubesi and Black Umfolosi groups have made the genre popular, with hits like Rega Kusarira and Unity respectively.
Addressing fans at the well-attended inaugural Rise Up Chothoza Mfana Imbube Festival held at Bulawayo Theatre over the weekend, Nyathi, who heads Amagugu International Heritage Centre located in Matobo District, said they were building a place where the next festival will be staged.
“We are building a structure at Amagugu where shows will be held and this successful festival should be taken there, where culture is celebrated. Imbube should come home. The next festival should be held at Amagugu centre. As we celebrate, Imbube we also celebrate our culture. Let’s embrace and preserve Imbube so that the next generation identify themselves through this music,” he said.
The launch, which pitted Impumelelo Shining Stars, Sunduza, Men of Influence, Great Stars, Ukukhanya Kwezwe, Ibutho LikaKristu and guest performers, Black Tigers, saw fans eating out of the hands of the energetic ensembles. Running under the theme Divided We Fall, United We Stand, festival organiser Oscar Siziba said the event was meant to unite local groups and promote the genre.
“A lot of genres have surfaced, leading to Imbube losing popularity and this festival is to promote the genre and also unite our local groups. Without such festivals, where the cream of Imbube meets, no one will know who is doing this and that in the music industry. We thank everyone who came through. The crowd was amazing and we promise to give people more of such events,” Siziba said.
