Insimbi ZeZhwane's triumphant return

AMID a palpable buzz of anticipation, over 2 000 fans packed Palace Hotel Gardens on Friday last week to witness a triumphant comeback by Insimbi ZeZhwane, just three months after the tragic loss of two of their cornerstone members — co-founder Elvis "Ma Eli" Nyathi and drummer Thembinkosi "Maviri" Mpofu.

Bravely navigating through the depths of grief and loss, Brema emerged as a beacon of resilience, leading Insimbi ZeZhwane back to the forefront of the Tshibilika music scene.

A host of Bulawayo's creative luminaries graced the event, including Desire Moyo and his wife, Zinja Ziyamluma, Madlela Skhobokhobo, Gesh, Khakhakha Band, Godolude and Friendly Brothers, Tinashe Moyo and Sungura Snipers, and Manurse Ndlovu, among many others.

As the clock struck midnight and Insimbi ZeZhwane took the stage, a collective roar erupted from the crowd, with fans fervently chanting Brema's name, hailing him as their musical saviour.

Heeding the crowd's fervent appeal, Brema, still bearing the scars of his recent accident, stepped onto the stage, his hand instinctively reaching for his bass guitar. With a practiced eye, he scanned the cords, the very essence of Insimbi ZeZhwane's identity.

The group, which performed for a good two-and-a-half hours, managed to perform songs like Jeremiah, GPS, Umshosha Phansi, Inyeluka, and Insika.

Despite initial nerves that threatened to derail their performance, Insimbi ZeZhwane quickly found their groove, fuelled by the roaring applause of their loyal fans. The heavens seemed to align, and the band delivered an electrifying set that kept the crowd enthralled from start to finish.

Indeed, the stellar display proved that Insimbi were determined to honour the memory of their fallen band members as they delivered a polished stage set that made everyone in attendance proud of them.

On the sidelines of the show, Madlela Skhobokhobo said that there is a need for Brema and crew to soldier on and always celebrate Ma Eli and Maviri on each and every gig they will headline because that's what fans want.

"To be here is such a beautiful thing even though it's a remembrance of our fallen brothers. This is Insimbi's first gig after Ma Eli and Maviri passed away and I am surprised and happy that these boys managed to fully represent and deliver a stellar performance.

"Yes, our brothers are gone but also life goes on. I would like to encourage Brema to continue working hard to honour Ma Eli and the fans and embrace this work because this is a people's band. It's not easy but he has to be strong indazi ikhale," said Skhobokhobo.

Desire "Moyoxide" Moyo also conquered Madlela as he said Insimbi ZeZhane are alive.

"This is a brand new day that the Lord has made. We are coming from a painful experience of burying our brothers. But, from the crowd that you see here, it is a sign that people are committed to supporting Insimbi.

"Such a crowd must not be taken for granted because they signify that Insimbi ZeZhwane are alive. We will continue working and encouraging Brema to soldier on and lead these boys because they are doing a splendid job," said Moyoxide.

Palace Hotel proprietor Tapiwa Gandiwa couldn't believe the crowds who thronged the venue in support of Insimbi ZeZhwane.

Gandiwa showed his humanity as he donated the venue for the group for free, so that they could raise money to buy themselves band equipment and also fend for their families.

All gate takings went straight to Insimbi ZeZhwane.

"Insimbi have performed here for a number of times and after the death of Ma Eli and Maviri we saw it fit that we donate the venue and organise this gig so that we honour our fallen friends and also give those who are alive a stepping stone to manage to move on.

"I am happy that people came in numbers and this is a great gesture from the people of Bulawayo and beyond as they proved that it's possible for local creatives to have a life through music. We will continue working with Insimbi because they have also adopted Palace Hotel as their home," said Gandiwa.