MATABELELAND Imbube group, Ufasimba Home of Arts is billed to perform at the much
awaited Imbube Festival at Entumbane Black Umfolosi Centre in Bulawayo on Saturday,
September 30. Dozens of groups, some with international experience, are expected to perform at the
extravaganza.
The genre, which fuses music and dance is currently penetrating the sector with a battle of
15 Imbube groups set to light up Bulawayo.
The following have confirmed participation: Ufasimba, Black Umfolosi, lmbizo Performing
Arts, Sunduza , Amabhubesi ,Ubuntu Bomuntu , Zondamthakathi, Amavevane, Phelandaba,
lndosakusa, The Morning Star, lsizwe Simnyama The Icon, ljongosi, The Great Stars,
lkhwezi Lokusa, Men of Influence, Lilizela, How Mine Imbube Group, Khaya Arts, Thaluso da
Poet, Nqindi The Poet and many more.
Imbube is an old traditional, genre which mainly stirred the game in 80s, and with that advent
of other genres that suit the young generation, Imbube is slowly forgotten.
Imbube songs are mainly folklore with depth in meaning to village life, the lyrics mainly
touching on marriage, farming and history among others.
They give listeners space to reminisce about village life and connect with their roots.
This will be revived by the newly formed group, Ufasimba expected to bring the roof down
when they take to the stage in the City of Kings, Zimbabwe's second capital.
Ufasimba formed on May 15, 2023 is the brainchild of both Matabeleland North and South
seasoned artists with Laston Sunday of Hwange being the Chairperson, Edgar Ncube of
Manama being the Secretary General, Thembinkosi Mathuthu of Insiza as the Stage
Manager, while costumes are managed by Bruce of Kezi.
In an interview, Mthabisi Moyo, the groups publicity manager, said they fused the group to
ensure that it covers Matabeleland region and thus remain relevant to their targeted
audience.
Our group has people from Hwange, Insiza, and Gwanda to ensure that we entertain this
region where this genre is mainly celebrated. Our new group has started to attract audiences
in this area and we are driven by our slogan that says 'Forward Ever'. We want today's new
generation to know that Imbube is one of the best genre and it is edutainment in its nature.
We are currently polishing our art work so that we deliver a flawless art-piece and we are
promising our audiences an awesome performance, Moyo said.
The fast-rising group has thrilled people during weddings, musical galas, and public
gatherings and even closed door functions.
Organisers of the festival Thobela Arts Foundation's director, Oscar Siziba, said
preparations were at advanced stage, with everything set.
So far 20 groups have confirmed their participation in the festival. The celebration will
definitely uplift Imbube genre groups a lot, hoping they will also look and learn from each
other. It will give them opportunities to engage with stakeholders, business people and to be
known by society, he said.
He said the day will be an exceptional entertainment galore and a must attend event.
People in this country and in other parts of the world, Matabeleland, Bulawayo should
expect fireworks on the day, they should be ready, come in numbers and experience the
works of our talented groups, Siziba said.
