Umdumo Wesizwe in talks with Afro jazz maestro Willis Waffi

Renowned Bulawayo's imbube group, Umdumo Wesizwe are still doing talks with Afro jazz maestro Willis Waffi to do a collaboration.

Umdumo Wesizwe recently lost their vastly talented leader Mqoqi Nkomo and it seems despite the grey patch they hit through the tragic loss, the group is continuing from were he left as one of the group members Gugulabo Nkomo has been entrusted by the group to take over the reigns at the group with the hope that he will fill the void left by Mqoqi and even guide them to dizzy heights

When Bulawayo24 spoke to Gugulabo he said the group is still alive and are continuing with their projects as usual.

"We are still engaging Willis Wataffi as he showed lots of interest in collaborating with us.

"Remember we were the first to do an accapella rendition of Africa Revenge's Wanga and it seems he liked what we did hence the collaboration which is coming soon," said Gugulabo.
The group managed to put the sad chapter of losing Mqoqi behind them and new leader Gugulabo said to fill in the shoes left by Mqoqi is a toll order but he relishes the challenge as he learnt a lot from him while they worked together.

"Am sure people are wondering what we are up to since our leader left, but I can assure them that Umdumo Wesizwe is still alive and we are continuing with the projects which we had set to do at the beginning of the year," said Gugulabo.

"I know it wont be easy for me to match up to his standard because he was greatly talented but that is not big of a problem as I learnt a lot from him hence am looking forward to the challenge.

"Even before his death I used to perform as the lead vocalist at certain functions not knowing that I was preparing myself for the task now at hand and now that the opportunity has been bestowed upon me I have to grab it and show them the good teacher that Mqoqi was to me," said Gugulabo

Umdumo Wesizwe has developed its skills and organisation to a point that they provide multitudes of services in the performing arts industry in Zimbabwe.

Compared with the likes of Lady Smith Black Mambazo of South Africa, Umdumo Wesizwe toured extensively the United Kingdom,Australia, Asia,Europe,Canada and the United States.
The group has released a number of recordings that feature imbube, mbaqanga and township songs.

Its dynamic live performances showcase the tradition styles of the Southern African region as well as the more contemporary styles and movements the performers develop themselves.