Female A Capella Singers from Zimbabwe Coming to Soka University

By John Roos

Political strife and controversy have marked the tightly contested 2018 Presidential election in the country of Zimbabwe as Emmerson Mnangagwa was sworn in as its new president following a challenge by opposition party leader MCD Alliance that was dismissed in August by the country’s highest court.

Amid this tense, polarizing climate, Nobuntu--a female quintet of mbube a cappella singers from Zimbabwe’s second largest city of Bulawayo—are literally providing a welcome diversion and voice for the power of music as an egalitarian, healing, unifying force. The name “Nobuntu” is an African concept that values humbleness, love, purpose, unity and family from a uniquely female perspective.

The timing couldn’t be better.

Inspired by the Mohatella Queens and Busi Ncube, Nobuntu formed seven years ago and features a repertoire that fuses traditional Zimbabwean-rooted music, Afro-Jazz, Gospel and pop crossover using pure singing and dance with minimal percussion such as the mbira (thumb piano.) The beautiful 5-part harmonies and colorfully plaid-striped and floral outfits create a concert experience that is joyously uplifting and entertaining. (Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TuDs6r50fc for a look and listen.)

Intent on creating their own signature sound, Nobuntu—featuring vocalists Zanele “Uzah” Manhenga (Soprano/Alto) , Thandeka Moyo (Soprano/1st Tenor), Duduzile “Dudu” Sibanda (Tenor/Baritone/Bass), Heather Dube (Alto/Tenor Bass) and Joyline Sibanda (Alto/Tenor)—has released two recordings, “Thina” (2013) and “Ekhaya” (2016). A brand-new album titled “Obabes beMbube” featuring 13 songs will be released on November 28 on the 10th District Music label. The title-track is thematically about female mbube singers imploring a local radio DJ, who airs strictly male mbube songs, to add those by females to their playlist.

“That song ("Obabes beMbube") is my favorite to sing on onstage right now,” said Dudu during a recent phone interview from a tour stop at Oklahoma State University. “It’s a song about gender inclusion that means a lot to the five of us, and I think the audiences have been responding to both the energy and spirit behind it.”

Other noteworthy songs on the forthcoming album focus on music’s power to heal and inspire (“Cula”), community kindness and love (“Umusu”), spiritual faith and praise (“Umalusi,” “Hossana”), self-reflection (“Ilanga”), and respect for the traditional sangoma healers and diviners (“Silele”). The collection ends with a “bonus track” titled “Town Hall,” an emotionally-powerful anthem celebrating the strength of women’s music that was originally sung by the Mahotela Queens.

Because the songs are sung mostly in Ndebele, just one of eleven official South African languages, their literal meaning may be lost on English-only speaking audiences. But according to Dudu, music is a universal language where words mean less than the visceral connection that is made with the listener.

“The sound and rhythm are the most important parts of our music,” she suggested. “It’s a common unspoken language that you feel and absorb into your whole body and soul. There’s a special energy that creates a tone and vibe that are very expressive. The songs have their own inherent power to communicate without (audiences) having to understand the lyrics.”

Singing comes as naturally to Dudu and the rest of Nobuntu as the sun sets in the west.

“In our country and culture, every child grows up singing songs with family members and at local gatherings,” said Dudu, who has three siblings that she often harmonized with in the mornings before heading out to school. “We loved to sing and I think if you weren’t singing, you would be dancing. Song and dance are just a way of life for us, really.”

What can concert-goers expect from the Nobuntu live experience?

“We like to entertain so fans can expect some fireworks,” Dudu promised. “We’ll take you on a cultural, traditional, musical journey. By the end of the night, the audience will know a lot about where we come from and what makes us who we are.”

Dudu is also a firm believer that music celebrates the belief in the power to transcend racial, tribal, religious, gender, and economic boundaries. Sometimes one person, one day at a time.

“I have had people in many places where we’ve played come up to me and say how much our show completely changed their day,” offered Dudu, who added she’s the happiest when traveling and experiencing new places and people. “We do tackle issues in our community, like abuse, peace, love, heartbreak. Even though our traditions and cultures are different from those of other countries we visit, I believe we share universal truths of hope and survival and that’s what binds us all as brothers and sisters.”

*The Soka University World Music Series presents Nobuntu – Zimbabwean Voices, Friday at Soka Performing Arts Center, 1 University Dr., Aliso Viejo. (949) 480-4278. 8 p.m. $26-$30. http://www.soka.edu