'Ikatali kubanikazi' The Dallas declaration

In colloquial Shona they say "Mupei sando dzake" to mean who the cap fits let them wear it. This is to say give credit where it is due.

Honest Kamanga popularly known as Madalaboy or simply Dallas has through his latest album made a declaration of himself as the deserving king of Tshova Tshova music or Kalanga - Ndebele rhumba.

Entitled Ikatali Kubanikazi Madalaboy's offering tells other fellow rhumba musicians to leave the guitar to him as the king of the local rhythm. The production undoubtedly confirms the founder of now split Ndolwane Super Sounds as the godfather of Kalanga music.

The six track album is presented in the most unique style from the usual rhythm. Instead of having the lead guitar being the lead in the music, the veteran musician adds diversity by allowing the twin rhythm guitars to detect the songs giving a completely different style which allows the dancers to easily match their dances to the songs.

Out to top the album is track number 5 titled Gwakajalo, a Kalanga message to say things are exactly as they are. The song has a unique beat led by Anele Dube on rhythm guitar and Handsome Kamanga on sub rhythm ably complimented by Mahlasela Dube on Bass guitar and Madalaboy on lead, the song is certainly in a class of it's own.

Title track, Ikatali Kubanikazi, is undoubtedly one that must have taken rhumba lovers to a new level of the music over the festive season. The song indeed declares Madalaboy as deserving to be allowed to own the guitar crown of rhumba music with its unique mid tempo rhythm.

Backed by the Grace Chapel Music Team, track number 6 "Akehlulwa Lutho" gives a perfect icing to the album. The song confirms the long journey the legendary musician has come in the industry and rightfully so thanking divine intervention for keeping the group intact through all the trying times.

In his message to the fans, Dallas invites Tshova Tshova music fans to help promote the artists by buying the original music from genuine dealers. He gives credit to his long time sponsor Pastor Acts Aota for continuously helping the group record it's music.

Aota equally called on the people from the Matabeleland regions to start appreciating music from the local artists who play second fiddle to other musicians due to lack of support from the locals. Aota also called on local broadcasters to give a balance in the airtime to all musicians from around the country.

Ikatali kubanikazi is certainly bound to be one of the few albums by an artist from the South Western region of the country to have a nationwide appeal.

The album was recorded at KB Studios in Johannesburg with all six songs composed by none other than the king himself Honest "Madalaboy" Kamanga.