Tour of My Motherland A Dream Come True, Says Gospel Star
UK, based gospel artist Nkosi Ka Ndlovu, a former student of Zidulini primary school in Nkayi District in Matabeland North, is currently on a music tour with his band ‘The Experience’ on a gospel music tour across Zimbabwe, dubbed the “Tour of my motherland”.
Nkosi who set up the Gwelutshena Gateway Foundation to fund raise for his former primary school, appropriately began the tour from his ‘roots’, his home district Nkayi.
The gospel music star arrived at Gwelutshena business centre with his band on the morning of the concert.
Hundreds of fans were already at the venue waiting and they greeted the gospel star and his band with big cheers and shouts of applause, there was a great atmosphere of jubilation in the air as they took to the stage.
Uma Abantu bami a track from his 3rd album My Journey which is proving to be a hit anthem with the public was the song that kick started the show and it immediately connected with the crowd almost the whole audience were up and moving to the beat including Government Minister and local Member of Parliament Sithembiso Nyoni, who along with Nkosi’s parents joined the gospel star on stage to dance to the opening song.
An upcoming gospel artist Pholani Ngwenya warmed up the stage prior to Nkosi and The Experience, taking the stage. It was wonderful to see the ever helpful Nkonsi Ka Ndlovu helping and promoting young local talent such as Pholani.
Speaking to Onward Christian Radio Nkosi said: “I have decided to tour with Pholani Ngwenya as a way of introducing him to Zimbabwe. He is an exceptional talent and it won’t be long for Zimbabwe and the world to know him.”
Government Minister Sithembiso Nyoni officially opened the show with a speech of acknowledgement for the work that Nkosi has done through the Gwelutshena Gateway Foundation for his former school Zidulini.
Nkosi handed over building material as well as books some of which were donated to Zidulini by Onward Christian Radio.
Nkosi gave a moving speech in which he urged and encouraged the pupils and teachers to “never allow your background to pull you down”, saying that despite his poor background he has managed to do certain things some people thought were beyond him.
Two teachers from a neighbouring school who spoke after the show had nothing but praise for Nkosi:
“When we got the invitation we thought it was just going to be one of those shows with just our ordinary signers from around here but we were pleasantly surprised that Nkosi brought such a professional group with a whole set of equipment to the rural areas, we can’t wait for the DVD”.
Over 3000 people were in attendance these included school children who took turns on stage to present and show their gratitude to their hero Nkosi Ka Ndlovu.
All those who attended were treated to free food and drink courtesy of Nkosi Ka Ndlovu & The Experience. The band left the people of Nkayi mesmerised.
The band then proceeded to Bulawayo for their next concert at the 7 Arts theatre on Saturday 14th where they shared the stage with Bulawayo hero Mkhululi Bhebhe of Joyous Celebration and again convinced Bulawayo that indeed a new voice in gospel music is now in their midst.
Backed by his band The Experience which comprised of such talent as Nomathamsanqa Mkhwananzi (former lead singer for IYASA) who had just returned home from a world tour with Mama Africa and singers from Nobuntu and Umdumo weSizwe, Nkosi had one of the best Zimbabwe can offer in terms of vocals. Stage presence and presentation was of international standards.
This week Nkosi continues with his tour the next stop is the beautiful border town of Plumtree. “Yesterday as they went around the border town meeting and greeting the people and putting up posters, they received a great response, the people are excited and many locals volunteered to have posters put on their cars.
This would be followed by a roadshow on Tuesday and Friday to introduce Nkosi to the people of Plumtree as well as giving of free cds.
Ndlovu will then proceed to Harare and finally Gweru on 28th and 29th where he partners with Zimbabwe’s giants in gospel Mathias Mhere and Takesure Zamar Ncube respectively.
The ever grateful Nkosi Ka Ndlovu took time to express thanks saying:
“I’m so excited and I’m ever so grateful to God for allowing me to live my dream”. A special mention goes to my wife and my son for their unwavering support. The followers of my music, thank you.” ocradio.co.za
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