Ihawu Elimnyama working on new project

Standard Style
South Africa-based Zimbabwean accapella music and dance ensemble, Ihawu Elimnyama are set to release their fifth album titled Lashona Ilanga before year end.

South Africa-based Zimbabwean accapella music and dance ensemble, Ihawu Elimnyama are set to release their fifth album titled Lashona Ilanga before year end.

By Kennedy Nyavaya

A member of the 10-member group, Busani Maps told The Standard Style last week that their new offering would cut across all social divides among music lovers.

Ihawu “The fifth album will be out soon and we promise fans our new and first ever DVD before the end of this year,” said Maps.

“Fans must brace themselves for more hits and amazing dance movements, which combine all ages and ethical groups of people because never shall we disappoint.”

Not so long ago, imbube or isicathamiya music craze, created by a refined blend between voices without music instruments, gripped the nation, especially the southern parts of the country.

Several groups have, however, given up to the pressure in the cut-throat industry, opting for other genres, but Ihawu Elimnyama has stood the test of time, a merit Maps attributed to originality.

“We do not emulate or copy others, we do our thing in a dynamic way so much that we instill fear in other accapella groups,” he said.

“We always leave people wanting more of our performance.”

He said the message in their songs revolves around improving society.

“Our music is educative, social and religious so we make it a point that in every song we produce, it touches someone in any way of life and bring people together through teachings, mostly about love.”

The group has over the years enjoyed a lot of support in South Africa where they had an opportunity to sing at the late Nelson Mandela’s birthday celebrations in 2001. Back home, the group performed at the Harare International Festival of the Arts in 2005.

They have managed to maintain a following among a significant number in the Matabeleland region, especially in their home area of Gwanda.