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Mthabisi Tshuma, Ethel Ncube recently in Ndolwane, Bulilima

Saturday, August 3, 2024, will always ring a bell for music enthusiasts who braved the cold to witness history being made at the Ndolwane Business Centre grounds.

The night marked the debut of 10-year-old rap prodigy Bamphamandla Moyo, known by his stage name “Muntu The Living Proof”, into the music scene. His family showed their love and support by hosting one of the biggest musical shows in Bulilima district, Matabeleland South province.

Moyo’s debut album launch can arguably be touted as one of the biggest and most organised gigs that the Matabeleland region has seen in the better half of the year.

An international stage was erected by Winya Sounds, with the public address system flawlessly echoing into the thickets of the Ndolwane bushes and beyond the Thekwane River. 

The lighting system was impressive and security was tight, ensuring safety for the artistes in a place known for rowdy and violent attendees when alcohol is involved.

As early as 2pm, people from all walks of life had started making their way to the venue, with some travelling from Tsholotsho district, Bulawayo, Plumtree, Botswana and South Africa.

For a rural setup like Ndolwane, hip-hop is not the dominant genre, but the support the youngster received as soon as he took the stage suggested a change of heart for the dwellers in the southwest of Zimbabwe. The area is largely known for being devotees of rhumba, house, Amapiano and disco music, but that is slowly changing. 

Muntu The Living Proof (right) and DJ Mapressa

The day started with performances from Mnyama Boys, followed by Bryan AWA and Lover Guy. Young rapper Acuz Penda left the crowd in awe, proving he is a gem in the making.

As twilight approached, big names took over the mic, with South Africa-based DJ Mapressa serving as the MC. Insimbi ZeZhwane took the stage shortly before sunset, delivering a tribute to their former band leader MaEli, who, along with drummer Maviri, tragically passed away a year ago. Their set ended with a masterful display of instruments, leaving the crowd yearning for more and chanting “Brema, Brema, Brema”.

The man of the moment, Muntu The Living Proof, then took the stage, supported by his schoolmates who served as dancers and backup singers. 

The love they poured out was infectious and Muntu The Living Proof etched his name into the musical history of Bulilima with his performance.

Zinjaziyamluma followed, bringing a different feel of Maskandi music and proving his status as a household name.

Muntu The Living Proof returned to perform more tracks from his debut album, with the crowd singing along to well-marketed songs like Living Proof, King of Bling, Trap It, Chill Nigga, Thakunathatha and Asifuni Bangane.

To wrap up the gig, legendary Ndux Jnr proved that with age comes maturity and with hard work comes excellence, belting out his hit tracks and keeping the crowd on their feet, capping off an unforgettable musical show in a rural growth point.

Bamphamandla Moyo, aka “Muntu The Living Proof”, is a clear depiction that dreams can come true. The crowd empowered him to stand tall, proving that one’s background does not determine one’s future.