Jawunda Super Sounds revive rhumba in Gwanda

JOHANNESBURG - The last time Gwanda had a notable link with rhumba music was back in the 1990s, when Tusanang Sounds reigned supreme.

Those good old days could soon be back, following the arrival of Jawunda Super Sounds.

Led by the Zelezele-born Manners Moyo, the band is currently riding high with their six-track debut offering titled "Sebevumile". The title-track, which is the most popular song in the album, contains an introduction of the band as a proudly Gwanda ensemble and is sung in both Ndebele and Sotho.

"Kusukela kuzo zonke indawo zakithi eGwanda, bazojabula bonke abasithandayo," sings Moyo somewhere along the track that exudes a new kind of beat, built around a powerful rhythm guitar that forms his own distinct sound.

Although he loved rhumba from his early days as a student at Kafusi Secondary School, Moyo broke into the music industry by accident.

"I did not want to be a singer. I had made a decision that my involvement with music would be through sponsoring other bands and musicians, but after I got disappointed by some people along the way, I decided to grab the microphone and do it for myself," said the 30-year-old musician, who has previously worked with other bands like Madalaboy, the Dubia Masters and Prosper Bafana Sibanda as a sponsor.

"I am a talented vocalist and composer, so putting together the album was not a difficult proposition. I decided to name my band the Jawunda Super Sounds as a way of encouraging other talented singers from my home area in Gwanda to stand up and make it for that place.

"There are not so many musicians from Gwanda and that has forced even those who have recorded something to hide somewhere within the crowds and not declare their place of origin. My aim is to make them feel proud of who they are.

In his album, Moyo with experienced guitar players like Muhle Kulube (lead and rhythm guitars), Patson "Pitso" Mtshayazafe (bass) and drummer Xolani Ndlovu, who played with the legendary Mokis Connection.

"The album has been well-received by the fans because of its unique sounds and that gives me the encouragement to do even better in my next release, which is due later this year. I will first release a DVD for the current album in August, before I come up with the second one."

Although he has pereformed in and around Johannesburg, Moyo says his main aim is to hold a number of shows in his home area, the biggest of which should be an annual Gwanda Gala he was to hold inside Phelandaba Stadium.

"I am not a man of many words and less action, so work is already underway for the Gwanda shows, the first of which will be held within the next few months. I have four other artists that I am working with under the Gwanda Artists in Union organisation and together, we will move mountains."