Albert Nyathi collaborates with SA-based jazz musician

SOUTH AFRICA-BASED Zimbabwean jazz musician Sibonginkosi "Mr Prince" Tshabalala has released a new album titled Ngilamulela.

Tshabalala's new offering has 13 tracks. He told NewsDay some of the songs were reworked from his previous album released two years ago.
The album also carries a duet with dub poet Albert Nyathi titled Song for Mama.

Nyathi, who won a National Arts Merit Award for his book My Daughter, came from his base in Harare for the launch.

Tshabalala did not perform live because he left his band in South Africa, but tracks from the album were played throughout the event.

"I came here to give my support to Mr Prince. He is doing very well. There are a few musicians in the southern region who play the kind of jazz music that he does," said Nyathi.

Both musicians, however, complained about lack of support for local productions in the country.

"Radio stations in Zimbabwe are not supporting our music. They are bringing us down," said Nyathi.

Tshabalala also weighed in and said: "People should support music that is made by locals and not only be interested in international musicians."

Mr Prince's music is sultry and jazzy with a touch of Afro beat.

Tracks such as Africa, I Goli, Goodbye and Memories stand out on the album.

Mr Prince said he would like to stage live shows in the country later this year with his group African Life that is composed of Zimbabweans, Nigerians and Ghanaians.