Jumbo show for Bongani, as protest poet releases DVD

JOHANNESBURG - Zimbabwean protest poet Bongani Mncube will later this month launch the first-ever DVD of his musical career in Hillbrow, Johannesburg.

Ncube, widely known for his radical poetry that incisively protests against especially the continuing human rights abuses, tribal imbalances, social decay and the suppression of democracy in his home country and the whole of Africa, has two albums to his name to date, although his forthcoming DVD will be for his debut solo offering titled War of Peace.

Set to be launched inside Learnmore Hall, Corner Banket and Kotze Streets in Hillbrow, the DVD will be titled after his most popular poem, "Ngibhace Ezizweni" (I am exiled), which is a satirical lamentation of the tribal imbalances that have characterized Zimbabwe's system of governance under Zanu (PF).

The DVD will be befittingly launched amid pomp and funfair, with nine other popular Zimbabwean groups also set to perform in an assortment of genres that include poetry, gospel, imbube, maskandi, jazz, afro-pop and rhumba.

"The DVD has 11 songs off my 13-track album and it will be the first of its kind, where truth is told without fear or favour. I want to use my poetry to liberate the minds of our people so that they think independently and reduce fear in them and also cultivate unity of purpose," said Mncube.

"Our people need to understand that our greatest enemy is ourselves because we allow evil to rule over us, but I hope my music will help remove the fear that has seemingly engulfed many a Zimbabwean mind.

The aim is to see our people rise up in unison to fight against evil.

"Among the listener favourites in the DVD will be such songs as War of Peace, Why Africa, Zwelihle, The Soldier, Ngibhace Ezizweni, Kwamanye Amazwe and Wounded Nation. The technique and expertise used in the DVD will set it apart from what has been seen so far. It is highly befitting of the rich message that my music and poetry carry."

Other groups set to add more glamour to the occasion include the iconic Madlela Sikhobokhobo, Izwi Lesiphelo, Sisters of Paradise, Mehlokazulu, Amabhubesi Amnyama, Ibutho Levangeli, Amabhukudwana, Insukamini, Abafana BakaMzilikazi and rising female poet, Gugue.
In tandem with Bongani's largely politically-charged poems, there will also be speeches from a select number of speakers from various political parties who provisionally include Zapu President Dumiso Dabengwa, Mthwakazi Republic Party President Mqondisi Moyo, Zimbabwe Communist Party General Secretary Ngqabutho Mabhena, Mthwakazi Liberation Front Spokesperson David Magagula, Andrew Nyathi of the United Democratic Front and Sipho Moyo of the Alliance for National Salvation (ANSA).

According to Bayethe Music, the company that Bongani is now signed with, tickets for the show are pegged at R150, of which there will be a free copy of the new DVD for every ticket buyer.

"Tickets went on sale late last month and the response has been very good so far. There are limited tickets due to the magnitude of the show and we advise Bongani's and music fans in general to buy theirs now to avoid disappointment on the day," said Bayethe Music Promotions and Operations Director, Mcasiseli Gwaza-gwaza Ndlovu.

"There will also be Bongani Music regalia which will be on sale at give-away prices at the venue. On the entertainment side, we chose the cream of Zimbabwean music in Johannesburg and fans should brace themselves for a spellbinding show.

"After the launch, we will hold several other shows in different venues around South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana to promote the DVD and take Bongani to the people. He is too big to remain bottled in Johannesburg, where he is already a hit. This is a world-class artist whose music speaks to the delinquencies of African governance.

Although he is a Zimbabwean, his music appeals to all and sundry, for as long as they love the truth."