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Bothwell “Bekezela” Nkomo

Langalakhe Mabena Showbiz Reporter
AFTER a decade of trying to break into the music industry, South Africa-based, Bulawayo-born Afro-Jazz artiste Bothwell “Bekezela” Nkomo seems to have finally earned his stripes after his talent was identified recently and the artiste was signed under one of Mzansi’s most successful stables, Muthaland Entertainment.

The artiste, who is set to release a self-titled 12-track album in a week’s time, said he was grateful for the recording deal with a stable which has developed industry changers such as DJ Cleo, Zola, Mapaputsi, Pitch Black Afro, Mzekezeke, JOZI, Ishmael, Brickz, Da L.E.S, Fiesta Black and Vusi Nova among many others .

The deal, he said, was a reward for his patience and perseverance, two traits that were indicated by his stage name, Bekezela.

“I’m happy that I’ve found a home at Muthaland. The 10-year journey I’ve walked was thorny, but today, God has answered my prayers. I changed my name from Bhozo to Bekezela because through the journey I walked, I’ve learnt that patience pays thus I also gave the album the same title as a living testimony,” he said.

Over the years, it seems like whatever comes from across the Limpopo is what gets the public’s interest as the same happened to Bekezela.

His single “Bekezela”, initially released six years ago in Zimbabwe, did not receive much recognition in his home country, but instead, when it was reproduced in South Africa, many started to give it a listen.

His music has also been given the nod by Sipho Nyathela, one of the Muthaland management officials who discovered him after a DJ played his track at a party he attended in Tembisa.

Even though his career is in its infancy, Bekezela has already been billed to share the stage with some of Mzansi’s most talented jazz artistes.

Yesterday, Bekezela was billed to perform alongside Vusi Nova, Nathi and Ntando at a festival that was held in commemoration of World Women’s Day.