GLOBE-TROTTING No Name Dance Crew has spoken up on the significance of collaborative effort in as far as creative arts are concerned. The all-male ensemble, which is made up of three members, has recently been performing around the country at live shows as well as featuring in a couple of music videos.
Group member Walter Methembe Ndlovu, whose stage name is Blinko, spoke to Standard Style on their latest collaboration with wave-making rap sensation, Cuniva.
"We generally think and agree that there is so much power in collaboration," Blinko said. "There are so many advantages because it spices up the flavor of whatever we want to deliver to our audience.
"The diversity makes it even more intriguing because of the variety and the unpredictability of everything. Moreover, it exposes all of us to a larger audience as we actually get to share supporters. Cuniva has his own people, who might not necessarily have known us or followed us, but when they come to watch him and by extension get to see us and end up being influenced to like us, that's a win. And it applies vice versa, he also gains a following from our own audience and crowd,” he said.
Blinko highlighted the need for early preparation.
"It would be great to be professional and get proper time to rehearse," he said.
"Because so far the gigs just came spontaneously, and that hasn't been the most ideal condition. Yes, we can pull it off, but it would be greater if we can sit together and build that energy. Cuniva now understands our art, and we want to understand and feel him more. Putting us in that room would really take things to the next level. The way we are planning it, it's going to change the landscape and the way people perform and the way the audience views artists, especially in Bulawayo, because I can't speak for everyone. Remember, Carlton (fellow dancer) has an interesting ear and is very creative. His concepts are always meticulous, such that if we sit down with Cuniva or any other artist and break it down, it would ensure that the audience will enjoy it at a high level. It's going to be interesting to see what comes out."
Cuniva, who not only physically has similarities with SA rapper Nasty C but also shares a resemblance in vocal chords with him, also sang and shared similar sentiments.
"You know how it is, as an artist sometimes, if not all the time, you need backup," Cuniva said. "By backup, I mean energy on stage. Sometimes a crowd may take a bit of time to warm up to the performer on stage, but if you have people with you on stage who understand the drill and you feed each other the energy, it gets infectious and spreads across the room or arena. I absolutely am grateful to have met the No Name Dance Crew. A special shout out to my publicist at AfricaConnect for plugging us in. I must say a lot of magic is cooking in the cave for our fans. We are even considering a video, so we will see how it goes. But also let me take this time to thank our followers everywhere, we feel the love. To the promoters out there, we are ready to work and open for business, so just hit us up even on social media and let's create, let's collaborate."
Cuniva and the No Name Dance Crew first hit the stage together at Miss Nust in May this year and reunited at Miss Teen of the Universe last weekend at the ZITF, where they once again sent the audience into frenzy.
