mbulelo smpofu
Mkhululi Ncube, themkhust@gmail.com
FROM a distance, Mlambos Express Band leader Fiselani “SaMaNgwe” Ngwenya might appear as just another lanky man on the streets.
But on Saturday night at Happy Valley Tavern in Mzilikazi, Bulawayo, that notion was dispelled as SaMaNgwe and his band delivered a flawless performance that left fans buzzing with excitement.
The occasion was the launch of their 23rd album, Mambuluzambonwe, a project already hailed as one of the best Rhumba albums of 2024. True to the band’s form, SaMaNgwe used the night to showcase new material, breaking the norm of sticking to past hits.
“We’re playing new tracks only because we’re introducing a new baby,” SaMaNgwe declared, setting the tone for an energetic night.
The Super Legends, as the band is affectionately known, gave a high-energy performance with their five dancers pushing the stage to its limits — literally. At one point, part of the stage threatened to collapse under their movements, prompting the crew to continue their electrifying routines on the floor.
SaMaNgwe, known for nurturing young talent, let his trained guitarists handle most of the strings, allowing him to focus on vocals and dancing.
He only picked up his guitar for a few nostalgic tracks. Among the dancers, newcomer Tiraboy stole the show, captivating the crowd with moves reminiscent of former Insimbi ZeZhwane dancer Putsununu. Fans showered Tiraboy with cash in appreciation of his fancy footwork.
The crowd, though not at full capacity, was vibrant and appreciative. SaMaNgwe kept them engaged, teasing them to contribute US$50 to hear the album’s title track, Mambuluzambonwe. When the contributions stalled at US$13, fans diverted their bids to older hits like Maths and Emmanuel. The playful rivalry saw the band collecting an additional US$200 on stage, highlighting the loyalty and enthusiasm of Mlambos Express fans.
While the main act delivered, supporting performers fell short. King Phosa and Nkayi Challengers relied on a CD for their performance due to a lack of instrumentalists, while Big Max struggled with session players.
Reflecting on the night, SaMaNgwe, who also celebrated his 44th birthday, was upbeat.
“The launch went well and was a significant improvement from last year. The fans were jovial and enjoyed the night. However, I feel we could have done better with marketing to boost attendance.”
As the curtains came down on the night, one thing was clear, SaMaNgwe’s passion for rhumba and dedication to his craft remains unmatched. – @themkhust
