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Busi Ncube still in the game

by Staff reporter
07 Jul 2019 at 21:19hrs | Views
Music legend and True Love hit maker, Busi Ncube, says she has fond memories of the group Ilanga and has vowed to carry on the legacy left by some of her departed colleagues in the once star-studded outfit.

Ilanga, which comprised the late Don Gumbo, Dixon Chingaire (popularly known as Cde Chinx) Gibson Batishta, Adam Chisvo, Munya Brown, Gibson Nyoni, the late Virgillio Ignacia, Keith Farquharson and Andy Brown was a household name in the 1990s before members went their separate ways to pursue solo projects.

In an interview with Standard Style shortly after her return from Spain last week, the Norway-based singer said she was very much active in the music industry.

"I have very fond memories of all my late colleagues I did music with and am carrying the legacy ahead," she said.

"I vividly remember the tours and live shows we did around Zimbabwe as Ilanga.

"Right now, I have been in Barcelona, Spain, and from June 25 to 28, I had gigs in the United Kingdom. I am not as quiet as people would think.

"I take part in a number of festivals every year and last year I invited Edith Weutonga and Hudson Simbarashe, who I recorded an album with."

Having released Salulandela in 2017 and Usiko in 2018, Ncube said her twin sister — Phathi — has always been there for her.

"My twin sister Phathi and Busi Mhlanga [formerly Imbongi] are always with me when I have gigs. They visited me in August last year during the Mela Festival in Oslo," she said.

"I have over the years built an audience and the music speaks for itself.

"I have managed to break through and become a force to reckon with here in Europe. I am still a force to reckon with because "I am still recording and performing live music."

Ncube said she sees a lot of potential talent in upcoming artistes and also urged upcoming female artistes not to give up as every dark cloud has a silver lining.

"I see a lot of talent coming up and stars are born in the music business," she said.

"One has to enjoy what they do and respect for the profession and perseverance are the key elements to make it out there.

"Don't let the success get into your head, no matter they say how good you are. Like I said, one's music speaks for itself, respect and be humble, you will get there."

Ncube said plans were afoot to hold a homecoming gig in September.

Born in 1963, Ncube started singing at the age of 12 alongside seven of her sisters in praise and worship sessions and at other occasions.

Later she joined forces with her twin sister Pathie and their older sister Doreen in the group Ebony Sheik. She joined Ilanga in 1987 after she went to Harare to visit her sister, Doreen, who was singing with The Pied Pipers Band.

After leaving Ilanga as a result of unending clashes among band members, she embarked on a solo project and formed a group, Rain.

Source - the standard