"My dancing style does not make me a lesser Christian'

Bulawayo queen of dance Sandra Ndebele, who launched her sixth album at Rainbow Hotel in Bulawayo at the weekend, has justified her blend of secular and gospel music.

The former Iyasa prodigy told guests at her album launch who included Small and Medium Scale Enterprises minister Sithembiso Nyoni, Zimbabwe Defence Industries (ZDI) chief executive officer colonel Tshinga Dube and the National Council director Elvas Mare that a dancing style does not make her a lesser Christian.

"When I am singing secular music, it does not really mean that I am not a Christian," she said.

"Of course I love my music; I love my culture but if there is anything I don't and I will never forget is the Almighty God."

Sandy, as she is popularly known by her followers, also explained why she named her album No matter What.

"As the title of my new album suggests, I know there are people who will always want to pull you down and say this or that, but I am saying no matter what with God's grace I will prevail," said Sandy to wild applause from the guests.

The celebrated dancer, who joins musicians like Oliver Mtukudzi, Zacharia Zacharia and the late Tongai Moyo in blending gospel and secular music, showed during her glitzy launch that she has added some maturity to her legendary dancing skills.

She first strode onto the stage clad in an elegant diamond-speckled burgundy dress and a matching pair of long shoes.

Sandy opened her act backed by Bulawayo-based gospel acapella ensemble Conquerors 7 who helped her perform three gospel tracks, two of which are from the latest album.

But the show could have been a major disappointment to her fans had Sandy not reverted to her trademark dancing style that has brought her fame and glory.

She returned to the stage for the second stanza of her show clad in skimpy traditional attire but unlike in the past her legs were in leggings.

Two fast-paced songs called Jiva and Bamba Iqolo proved that Sandy could still perform the energy-sapping, shake-and-swirl gyrations.

With her female dancers chanting 'Sandy, Sandy, Sandy' while she did what she knows best, the guests were left convinced that despite carrying more weight and being a mother of two, she still has lost none of the old touch.

The other highlight of the launch was when popular Harare-based sele dancer Monica Chikasha joined Sandy on stage.

Intombi Zomqangala, an all-female dance group owned by Sandy, sealed off arguably the best album launch ever in Zimbabwe's second largest city.

 Sandy's seven-track album, recorded at Dawn Studio in Bulawayo, features South African group who attended the launch, Conquerors 7 and Bulawayo gospel singer Abigail Mwembe.

Tracks on the album are Ubuhle, Bamba Iqolo, Jiva, Abantwana, Love and two gospel tracks Bonga and Satani.