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Bekezela

Langalakhe Mabena
South Africa-based jazzman Bothwell “Bekezela” Nkomo who rose to fame with his self-titled album which saw him clinch a deal with one of Mzansi’s successful recording stables, Muthaland Entertainment, will be bringing the Asante Sana Tour to his home city of Bulawayo next week.

Gwanda-born Bekezela who has also been nominated at the Skyz Metro FM Awards for the Best Afro-Soul song, will be performing in the different suburbs of Bulawayo with Nkulumane’s Sekusile and Cowdray Park Terminus already approved as the meet and greet venues. The four-day tour will begin next Thursday.

Bekezela said “Asante Sana”, a Swahili phrase meaning “Thank you” tour is a way of showing appreciation to his followers at home. He said he was now a celebrated muso because of the love and support he got from Bulawayo hence he decided to stage free shows.

“Asante Sana Tour is mainly about showing gratitude to my fans as I am what I am today because of their love. I want to meet the people and that’s why the tour will be in the high density suburbs and will be free,” Bekezela said.

During his Bulawayo visit, the soft spoken artiste will donate food and clothing to local children’s homes as well as hold a conference with fellow artistes to discuss how the Bulawayo arts industry can be revived.

He said he hoped to see the Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo that did not perform well this year, grow to be one of the biggest festivals in the country and as such, was willing to engage Muthaland stable mates to come and perform here.

“The conference with local artistes is meant to come up with ideas of reviving Bulawayo’s status as the country’s cultural hub. Muthaland stable will be happy to bring artistes like Vusi Nova and 047 to perform at Intwasa Arts Festival,” said Bekezela.