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Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]

CHARLES Mahlaba Banda’s second solo studio album, which was originally scheduled to be released last month, will now be released on 11 November at the Bulawayo Theatre.

The artistic director of the dance company Sunduza Dance Theatre has released a 10-track jazz CD named Feelings/Imizwa as part of his solo career.

Mahlaba revealed the project’s release date in an exclusive interview with Chronicle Showbiz, as well as discussing his participation in the upcoming Zimbabwe Jazz Festival, which will take place on September 22 at the Alliance Francaise de Bulawayo. The musical spectacle will take place the next day in Harare at Alliance Francaise de Harare.

“I’m fully geared to showcase my craft on the day and this is my first time to be part of this year’s Zimbabwe Jazz Festival. The journey (to carving a solo career) has not been easy. Too many challenges were in the way but those only matured me and taught me how to be myself and focus for a better tomorrow. I believe in myself now because I know that this is my calling to reach out to the world through music.

“As Mahlaba, I have been working on a masterpiece of music that reflects different types of feelings we are facing every day. The audience must expect music that talks, connects and speaks to the mind. This is a fresh sound that is electrifying and original. I will perform songs from my upcoming album as well,” he said.

Mahlaba is set to be joined by Ngoma iNgoma, George Phahlane, and Josh Meck for the Bulawayo edition of the Zimbabwe Jazz Festival.

Feelings/Imizwa will feature Safa a collaboration with Gaz’elimnyama, Ubambo Lwami, Lifa Lami featuring Helen Nyati, Ngiyasola featuring Vikmoe, Ingane Yabantu, Baba Laph’Okhona, Ngikhethe Wena featuring Ntando, Qeqe and Mwezi, Uthando Lukamama featuring Vikmoe, Umvundla

loNteletsha featuring Fafaza and an acoustic track named Lifa Lami.
At the album launch, Mahlaba will be flanked by traditional music sextet, Matojeni Melo-Maniacs. —@MbuleloMpofu