BY LIFE &STYLE REPORTER
UNITED STATES-BASED Zimbabwean hip-hop trailblazer and cultural ambassador Dumisani “Dumi Right” Ndlovu has collaborated with local award-winning traditional “Imbube” group, Indosakusa the Morning Star to produce the track No Turning Back.
Through the electrifying song, accompanied by a video, Dumi Right and Indosakusa the Morning Star showcase a unique cross cultural collaboration that blends traditional singing with rugged hip-hop beats, and poignant lyrics.
Indosakusa The Morning Star is a male acapella group which specialises in imbube, also called isicathamiya, style of singing that was popularised by Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
The song and video were done in Bulawayo and Washington DC, with the artistes collaborating on the concept and lyrics online.
The video concept contrasts the rugged and cold urban setting with the warm, natural and more hopeful setting in which the singing group is seen performing.
On the track, Dumi Right raps about overcoming challenges and persevering while Indosakusa the Morning Star affirms the commitment to “never turn back” no matter the challenges.
Their performance is typical Imbube style with traditional outfits and dance steps.
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The scenes are linked using the metaphor of technology depicted by a tablet that Dumi Right discovers to set the adventure in motion.
Dumi Right is a performing artiste, emcee and songwriter who has been recognised as a standard bearer in global and progressive hip-hop circles for many years.
He was introduced to audiences during hip-hop golden age as a member of Zimbabwe Legit, one of the first hip-hop groups from Africa to gain international recognition.
He has always looked for ways to incorporate his cultural influences and background into his music from the very beginning.
Even his debut album included African percussion, local mbira and other sounds on a song called Rhymin With the African Symphony.
His accomplishments have been documented worldwide including academic works of hip-hop history like the book Say It Loud!, The Story of Rap Music and The Rap Wars by Trisha Rose.
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