Sinokubonga Nkala
Taboka Tshuma, Sunday Life Reporter
AFTER years of perfecting her artistry, Sithandazile Dube, known by her stage name UMAfricakazi, has unveiled her much-anticipated album, Iphimbo Poetry Collection.
This heartfelt compilation captures real-life challenges and experiences, resonating deeply with audiences and receiving enthusiastic reviews since its release.
In an interview with Sunday Life, Dube explained that the poetry collection album explores various themes, including romance, sadness, resilience, joy, drug and substance abuse, child marriages, and gender-based issues.
“I wanted to create an album that would resonate with people from all walks of life, I believe that poetry has the power to heal, to inspire, and to educate, and I hope that my album will do just that,” she said.
The inspiration behind the album comes from Dube’s experiences over the past two decades she recalled how she has seen, done, gone through, and experienced many things in her life, and she wanted to share those experiences with the world.
As an ambitious artiste trying to stand out from the crowd, Dube has had her share of challenges. She recalled the challenge of selecting the most impactful pieces for the collection.
“I have written many pieces since I started writing, so it was tough to choose, but I am happy with the final selection, and I believe that it showcases my growth and development as a poet.”
She explained the name of the album Iphimbo Poetry Collection, with iphimbo meaning the good sound that comes from the deep inner self.
“I chose this title because I believe that my poetry comes from a deep place within me, I hope that listeners will be able to connect with the emotions and themes that I explore in my poetry,” she said.
Dube’s passion lies in bringing African culture and traditions to life through captivating performances and storytelling.
Born and raised in Nkayi District and Bulawayo, she has honed her craft to inspire people of all ages, backgrounds, and nationalities with her unique blend of maturity, poetry, and relevance.
Her outstanding contributions to the arts have earned her the prestigious title of Outstanding Female Artist of the Year from the Matabeleland Arts Awards. By day, she is a dedicated high school teacher, shaping young minds and nurturing future generations.
She described her passion for education and cultural preservation as her sense of pride, identity, and social responsibility in both her students and audience.
Dube expressed her gratitude to her audience and fans for their response to the album. She highlighted that they have been amazing, with audiences praising her work while people came in numbers and thoroughly enjoyed the album performance.
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