With just a year and a month in the arts and entertainment industry, uFasimba the Home of Arts is one Imbube group that has performed beyond expectations. The group was established on 15 May 2023 after having been inspired by Oscar Siziba, an iconic figure in the arts circles who is a leader of Indosakusa the Morning Star and founder of Thobela Arts Foundation. UFasimba the Home of Arts has the following members, Mthabisi Moyo, Edgar T Ncube, Luston Sande, Edmore Moyo, Thusang Mathe, Nqobizitha Moyo, Dumisani Moyo , Thembinkosi Mathuthu, Bhekani Moyo and Bongimpilo Tapela. The group does gospel songs, edutainment songs , entertainment songs as well as traditional songs and dances. The group members are all based in Gwanda, a fast rising Matabeleland South district arts industry hub where great talents surface and they all have unlimited love for imbube music as they grew up listening to this music genre a lot. They met at school where they even used to be part of Imbube music groups.
The group acknowledges Oscar Siziba as their father, a great source of inspiration whose immense contributions, guidance and knowledge have ensued success in what they do. The formation of the group was after Oscar did a workshop at Mtshabezi building in Gwanda in 2023 hosted by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, here he talked in detail about Imbube and his upcoming milestone celebration. They later invited Oscar to address them on what they can do in as far as music is concerned, here he taught them that in music there are 3Ps, that is, Prayer, Patience and Practice. They are particularly thankful for having him as an advisor and a coach who continues to play a key role as they are what and where they are today because of his leadership, a man who believes in mentorship and doing good for others. The group also acknowledges the help they receive from other Imbube groups such as Black Umfolosi, Great Stars Ijongosi, Abanqobi bezitha, Amaqaqa, Amavevane and Men of Influence whom they also consulted and received helpful tips.
Of particular interest is that this group does not have a leader, Mthabisi just came up with an idea, shared it with others who later joined the group, they all agreed that there will be no leader citing that at times one becomes boastful and takes advantage of other group members, so far they are happy with this kind of arrangement.
Mthabisi Moyo explains the origins of their group name, UFasimba, “Our name originates from the Kingdom of the Zulu Nation under the leadership of King Shaka Zulu. King Shaka Zulu was a highly skilled warrior who was the head of the Zulu speaking people around 1816. Under his autocratic rule, the Zulu kingdom experienced significant expansion, quickly becoming the dominant power in Southeastern Africa. King Shaka strategically formed and trained tactical group of warriors, with an intention of defeating and conquering other nations during war clashes. He then called his group of warriors “UFasimba” it was a powerful and un defeated group of warriors as we are “Breaking through all hardships”. This is how the group members happily agreed to name their group UFasimba the Home of Arts where besides doing Imbube music they also do theatre, fine arts and various dances across the world.
UFasimba approached Gwanda District Club where they requested for a venue for rehearsals, they were granted permission to use the club. This is where they continuously perfect their art through practice and they are thankful for the offer that they describe as enabling them to realise their full potential, for without a venue to meet and practice, their dreams can be shattered.
The group boasts about their hit track they have released, the only project done since they started, the single is called Khuzani Olutsha. In this track they are sending a message to young people conscientizing them on the dangers of drugs and substance abuse and encourage them to shun away from such illicit and uncouth acts that are destructive. The track has received considerable airplay from Skyz Metro FM and Star FM. They are currently working on their album that they expect to release before the year 2024 ends.
Their presence is already being felt in the industry where they are already excelling, performing above expectations, they are receiving the much needed recognition for their superb works. Indeed the future is bright for this fast emerging Imbube group. UFasimba already boasts of an award recognition received in their first year of formation, conferred by The Eminent in Sports, Music and Academic (TESMA) awards when they emerged as the Best Accapella group.
Some of the noteworthy occasions where they have shinned include, Dream Star Harare in July 2023, weddings, Bulawayo Imbube Milestone Celebrations held in September 2023, Bulawayo Art gallery and Dab3 events in October 2023, St Christopher’s primary school in Gwanda during the speech and prize giving day in 2023, launch of the Matabeleland South Small and Medium Enterprises in 2023, Gwanda Gospel concert in December 2023, Amaqaqa show at the Bulawayo theatre in December 2023, Great Stars show in Bulawayo in march 2024, Independence day celebrations at Pelandaba stadium in Gwanda in 2023, Gwanda traders market official opening ceremony, Gwanda Mayor’s cheer fund, Environmental and Management Agency (EMA) waste management graduation ceremony, First lady, Auxilia Mnangagwa’s Cook graduation ceremony at the Gwanda Joshua Mqabuko Polytechnic college in May 2024, Municipality of Gwanda police officers office painting and performance during a handover ceremony. Just to name a few.
Despite all the challenges they face as a young group, the members remain resolute and make huge sacrifices for the success of their band. As individuals fully employed elsewhere and at the same time being involved in music, they face challenges when it comes to rehearsal times, this is why they end up risking their jobs for the love of music. They are hopeful that once they become fully professional and are able to commercialise their music they will eventually draw all their attention to building and growing their band with undivided attention.
They look forward to local and international opportunities that will help in strengthening their group, please support them
For more information contact uFasimba the Home of Arts using the following details
Email: ufasimbahomeofarts@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550481842826
WhatsApp/Calls: +263778047952
Nice one