Blessings Nqo marks return

Langalakhe Mabena
AUSTRIA-based seasoned culturalist and musician Blessings Nqo Nkomo will on Saturday announce his return in the arts industry by releasing his much-anticipated 10-track album titled Isilungu.

That will be his fifth offering and like always, he tried to re-connect with his roots and revive the Southern African sound.

Isilungu, which translates to English, was recorded at his music studios NMP (Nqo ?s Music Production) studios in Vienna, with other production segments captured at District Studios (Zimbabwe), Bethline Studios (South Africa) and at Mfanakithi Studios in Vienna, Austria. The production brags of various experienced musicians who immensely helped Blessings Nqo to master and perfect the craft on this particular offering, working with Zimbabwean artistes such as Heather Dube, Duduzile Sibanda (Nobuntu), Vusa Mkhaya, Mamozi and Future Love.

He also worked with creatives from other African countries that include Pascarl Lupongo (Democratic Republic of Congo), Djakali Kone (Burkina Faso) as well as Mzeezolyt from South Africa.

Speaking from his base, Blessings Nqo who is also founder of Izethekeli Band,  said the album was special and close to his heart as it defines his journey in music as well as explaining his Zimbabwean identity.

“Isilungu comes with a mature sound that will make everyone dance and feel better in every aspect of their lives. This is my fifth full-length studio album release, which I recorded at my music studio NMP Studios, with other musical aspects captured from other different studios.

“The album comprises songs that I sang in isiNdebele language. They touch on various themes that include self-confidence, love, respect and the concept of ubuntu.

I included two tracks, Intombi Yalumfana and Amaphiko, that are a bit different from my style of music.

“The two are a mixture of Congolese and isiNdebele traditional songs that I re-arranged. This is something new that I wanted to try out for my fans and I am glad to announce that I worked on my album together with a video of one of my tracks,” said an ecstatic Blessings Nqo.

The former Insingizi member also gave credit to different instrumentalists whom he described as creatives who did an exceptional job on the project and gave a hint on tracks that are likely to be hits.

“On instruments, I engaged the skills of Mthabisi Moyo at Bethline Studios, who played and recorded all instruments except talking drums and percussions.

“The tracks to look forward to on the offering are the title track Isilungu, Intombi Yalumfana, Amaphiko, Sivuleleni Indlela and Basilindile in which I featured multi-talented Mzeezolyt Queen of African dance music from South Africa who has worked with the legendary Arthur Mafokate,” said Blessings Nqo.

Nqo’s previous albums are Isimanje Manje (2001), Nomathemba (2003), Mbube and Gospel Music (2009), as well as Impilo Iyajika which was released last year.

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