He came on the gospel scene with his debut album Umusa (Grace) in 2007 and this was followed by the release of his second album Hamba Jonah in January 2010 which revealed how Nkosi had raised the bar! After many months of waiting, this year he finally showed us that he had taken his act up to international level and established himself as another voice in gospel music!
Nkosi Ka Ndlovu, a humble refining gem in the gospel music industry, especially among the Zimbabwean diaspora, remarkably performed supported by his group The Experience at The Public Theatre in West Bromwich on November 5 2011 at his show dubbed the Traditional Southern African Gospel Concert. The event was sold out in less than 30 minutes into the concert and some people had to be turned away due to health and safety reasons. “We had to adapt to an ‘African Style’ sitting arrangement”, a guest commented jokingly.
Born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Nkosi spent his early teenage years in rural Matebeleland North in Nkayi, Gwelutshena. Nkosi started singing during his early childhood at his local church and school, Zidulini; and he has matured not only into a seasoning gospel artist but also into a compassionate gospel artist who extends his heartfelt benevolence to the people in the rural community. Now a patron of his former school Zidulini, Nkosi is spearheading a development project for the school and has committed to contribute proceeds from his concerts and sales of his music products towards the development of Zidulini. Nkosi, who is currently resident in the United Kingdom has performed at various gatherings as a soloist or with his group, The Experience. Besides his instrumentalised music Nkosi also directs and sings acapella music with The Shepherds Quartet - which sadly didn’t participate at the concert due to unforeseen circumstances.
The concert began with two thrilling performances by the Lesotho born minstrel, Mahali Selepe, and the youthful sensational vocalist, Jeharna South. This was followed by the phenomenal performance by Nkosi Ka Ndlovu & The Experience, which indeed was an experience worth to be re-lived! Though Nkosi & The Experience had performed for 2 hours, the colourful and multi-cultural audience was left yearning for more! The best way to probably sum up the experience is that it felt like we had been transposed into a typical traditional Southern African setting, where the praise and worship of the living God was done in a true Southern African style fused with a mellow English blend. The band’s fantastic choreography which had the audience reminiscing of the legendary Southern African music giants like Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Black Umfolosi and the ageless Soul Brothers was led by the creative former Siyaya Arts performer, Owen Ncube. Nkosi’s performances were mainly in the traditional Ndebele / Zulu style gelled with some emphasisied English, Shona and Sotho songs, just to reveal this band’s creativity, depth and diversity.
On the whole, The Experience’s performance kept the audience at the edges of their seats and on their feet especially when they sang “Ikhon’i ndawo”(there is room for you at the cross); “Bayethe KuJesu” (O hail to King Jesus), and their hit song “Hamba Jonah” from Nkosi’s album Hamba Jonah also invigorated a frenzy in the audience. Among the other songs performed were Nkosi’s own rendition of traditional hymns that were uniquely arranged.
This hugely successful project was coordinated by the meticulous events expert Kudakwashe Nyakudya, the Director of Cayenne Occasions in collaboration with the well known former Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation and media icon - Kelvin Sifelani partnered by the charismatic Stephen Eccles in administration. On stage with Nkosi were his skilful producer, Pastor Sonny Moyo on first keys, the well experienced and much travelled bass guitarist Samuel Locker, as well as other experienced muscians. On the vocals were vocal specialists like Rachel Moyo on Soprano, Nkululeko Yalala Ndlovu on turner, and Fiso Dlamini on bass and Rose Bere.
Nkosi’s team has received very positive feedback, through the event’s feedback process available manually and electronically. The guests unanimously expressed that the event’s organisation and the artists’ performances were impressive, and the encouragement was for the standard to be maintained or enhanced. One guest, Joshua Mukiibi a Ugandan wrote “what I enjoyed most was the rhythm of the songs, especially the first and last song, the entry was really great. The band was on point”. With such encouragement, plans are already underway for Nkosi’s 2012 concert, which will mark out that Nkosi's concerts in aid of Zidulini will now be an annual event.
In a nutshell, this event was absolutely splendid! And it is certain that Nkosi Ka Ndlovu & The Experience will become a unique Southern African Gospel Group on the international platform.
Nkosi expresses heartfelt gratitude to his wife, Alphina for her undying support throughout the development of this project, and in the events ahead, that she is already involved in. He also extends his appreciation to concert guests for their generous donation of £220 towards the development of Zidulini school.
For highlights on the projects in Zidulini you are welcome to visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLk0zzIbMEU&feature=related. For further information you are also welcome to visit: www.nkosikandlovu.co.uk.
[Source : http://www.facebook.com/#!/notes/kudakwashe-cayenne/absolutely-splendid-experience/197391030340534]