Bulawayo born musician makes waves in UK

BULAWAYO-BORN musician Nomthandazo Dube, aka Nommie, is making waves in the United Kingdom with her latest hit single receiving rave views on the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)'s Introduction Platform programme.

Nommie, who jetted into Bulawayo on Wednesday afternoon, told Southern Eye Woza Weekend she is on a mission to "plant artistic roots" with local artists. The law student at Queen Mary University in London is scheduled to hold a workshop on artist branding and imaging.

"Nommie", as known to her peers, is a 20-year-old Zimbabwean-born singer-songwriter based in London whose debut single Love Disease has become one of the singles from unsigned artists to go on rotation play on mainstream radio stations in the United Kingdom.

Produced by Zimbabwean-born Charles Katedza, better known as Charlie Kay, written by Charlie Kay and Nommie, Love Disease is a single which tells a story of forbidden love and is filled with upbeat hooks, morose lyrics and creative production.

Love Disease received radio play on BBC's Introducing Platform which promotes unsigned upcoming artiste and has remained on rotation play until today.

Speaking to Southern Eye Woza Weekend Nommie said: "I have come home to present myself to the community that raised me and nurtured my love for the arts and culture. As much as I am making it the United Kingdom, I want people at home to know that there is someone from the City of Kings and Queens, from Zimbabwe, who is doing it competitively with UK artistes such that when I get bigger and get more international recognition, Zimbabweans can proudly say: 'Ngumuntwana wakithi lo, mwana wedu uyo' and as much as people say my music sounds like I'm not from Zimbabwe, I try to remain as true as possibly to my roots and that's why I love songs that have feeling and good production because we Zimbabweans are great at that."

The former Hillside Primary School student described her route to stardom as very challenging, demanding and competitive.

Nommie is not much of a rookie in the music industry as she comes from a musical family with her late Uncle Eric Juba being part of Bulawayo-based The Cool Crooners who toured jazz festivals globally. Her great uncle the late great composer Remmington Mazabane who was also renowned in the local music scene is part of her musical identity.

She has therefore always been surrounded by music and began singing at the age of 12, taking part in several school choir, dance and church recitals. In 2010, Nommie began to focus on her music.

The musician looks to artists such as Aaliyah, Janet Jackson and Amy Winehouse as major influences and African artists such as Oliver Mtukudzi, Miriam Makeba and Lucky Dube as having a contribution to her musical content and production.

Nommie is set on planting artistic roots back home as she believes the local music industry is bursting with talent.

The musician hopes to one day work with local artistes such as Bulawayo's Calvin, Tehn Diamond, Simba Tagz, Amarra Brown and Family Voices.

"I follow artists from home and I listen to a lot of their music. I hope to meet up with Calvin before I go back and time permitting, I would love to do a collaboration with him," Nommie added.

Nommie's track Love Disease is set to debut for the first time on Zimbabwean radio on ZiFM's Zi Saturday Zone Yo link to the City of Kings & Queens hosted by radio presenter Gibson Ncube every Saturday from 6pm to 9pm.