Zimpapers Logo

Mkhululi Ncube, Showbiz Reporter
The mushrooming of rhumba bands has made it difficult for some great talent to breakthrough. Such is the case with Xolani “Xolly” Dube who leads Khandamhlophe band.

Although he has five albums to his name with the latest released two weeks ago, the musician has remained largely unknown in rhumba circles.

Xolly said his biggest letdown has been promoters who close doors and prefer to work with “certain” musicians.

“The reason why I’m not known much is due to promoters who work with their favourite artistes. I’ve tried to work with them, but I’ve failed. That though has opened another door for me as I now promote my own music.

“This is working out well because whenever I stage a gig, I attract huge crowds which is testimony that people love my music,” Xolly said.

To ensure that he becomes a force to reckon with in the music scene, the musician said he is working on setting up a structure for the band. In addition, he said he is sending his music to radio stations as he is hoping to expand his fan base.

His latest album, Izibusiso was launched in South Africa and going through the album, one can tell that the artiste is mature with his music able to stand any rhumba test. The album has six hard-hitting tracks, Izibusiso the title track, Tate Bangu, Benzeni?, Baphelel’ejele, Bana Bangu and Imihlola.

“The album is doing very well on the market and even back home, the CDs that I sent are finished. I’m working on sending more as there’s demand. As musicians, we continue to appeal to fans to buy original music so as to support our efforts,” he said.

The artiste who hails from Khandamhlophe area in Plumtree said he started composing songs in 2005 when he relocated to South Africa.

“Initially, I proposed to use the Xolani Express name for my band but my uncle advised against it and suggested that I use the name from where I come, hence the name Khandamhlophe,” he said.

He said his first recording was in 2010 when he produced Wawufuna Ngenzeni? Which was followed by Omamgobhozi two years later.

In 2013, Xolly produced Akuqali Ngami followed by Ngonen’ ft Yin.

“I then took a six-year hiatus from music before returning with two productions last year, Ngikhathele which featured another rhumba musician Dudline Dube and Amasiko which featured Wozani Ndlovu.” — @themkhust.