CHENGETAI MURIMWA
Bulawayo’s all-female acapella group, Nobuntu, is excited by the tour of United States following an overwhelming response from the fans.
The group, which is touring 18 States in the US, has been performing in the North American country since January.
The group which comprises of Joyline Sibanda, Zanele Manhenga, Heather Dube, Thandeka Moyo and Duduzile Sibanda, is also conducting workshops at colleges and universities in the country.
They are expected back into the country at the end of this month.
“The response to Nobuntu Music has been so mind-blowing. The people in America are showing so much love for our music and culture.
“Performing is our way of life. So, imagine the joy of discovering that we are back on stage.
“The feeling felt so surreal and sometimes we get first timer jitters when we get on it,” the group’s publicist, Keith Moyo said.
He added: “We are also engaged in school and university visits where we do choral workshops with students. It is more of a cultural experience.
“Sharing our diversified culture with these young people is an eye opener. It simply shows how humanity is one in all its diversity.”
Initially, the US tour had been pencilled to take place in 2019, but was postponed.
Moyo said the group, which has so far released three albums- Thina, Ekhaya and Obabes BeMbube- at times has been forced to perform while wearing masks because of tough regulations in some States of the US.
“The experience has been a challenge but not short of impressive.
“At first we were worried whether we would be audible or not. When you are performing one other important thing is facial expression.
“We asked ourselves how we would communicate with our audience because a smile on its own warms up a room.
“So, imagine not being able to express yourself to the fullest in front of over 3 000 people. It was definitely nerve wrecking.
“But as time went on, we have come to adjust and are now comfortable performing with masks on. It is bound to be a “new normal” at some venues; so why not get used to it now,” Moyo said.
