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Mkhululi Ncube, [email protected]

THE filled-to-capacity venue where Rhumba star Mxolisi “Mr Bones” Ndlovu launched his 9th album in Johannesburg, South Africa on Saturday is testimony that the artiste is one of the kings of the genre.

Using social media platforms to promote his works, the artiste has proven that such platforms, when used well, are good marketing tools.

From the time the album was under production till its launch, Mr Bones kept his fans updated on progress on social media platforms.

Commenting on the launch held at the Moon Night Bar in Doornfontein, he said: “Ever since I started my music career, this was the best launch in terms of attendance. The number of people I saw surprised me as it was beyond expectations. So many were the people that the venue became small for the crowd.”

He said everything went smoothly and they did not experience challenges like violent scenes.

On his part, Mr Bones did not short-change Rhumba fans as he produced a hit. Fans of the genre are spoilt for choice on the album. Titled, Ngiyozingela Ibhubesi, the album features the track Umfana Kumele Ageze which tackles drug abuse by youths – a vice that has not only affected Zimbabwe but even neighbouring countries. The song could be adopted as an educational track to help spread the message against the vice.

Ndiye Watebula Tiyi, a Kalanga track, is another hit on the album. A Mr Bones album is not complete without a love track and on this album, he threw in two, u Doli Kwasemasimini and a wedding celebratory track Siqale KoSebhuku.

Mr Bones brought together, the best rhumba guitarists including the evergreen and versatile TK Dube and Chiseru on rhythms, while on leads he had Anele, and DD 5000 while on bass Bhazuka and Alex featured. If anyone doubted TK Dube’s rhythm guitar strumming skills, the track Amageja Mbazu silences them.

Having lost two of his band members and fellow artistes to death, Elvis “Ma Eli” Mathe and Thembinkosi “Maviri Mpofu” of Insimbi Zezhwane, Mr Bones mourns them in the dirge track Ngadukela Enkungwini.

Other tracks on the album are Ngizogagula Amagama and Ngangiyizingela iBhubesi.

Only time will tell how the album will fare.

In support of the musician, the album was auctioned for R9 500 with other bidders contributing to make a combined total of R26 000 in bids. More money was realised from the album’s USBs and merchandise that was sold at the show. -@themkhust