By Muza Mpofu,Sekai Moyo

Copyright myzimbabwe

TSHOLOTSHO – Ndumiso Sibanda, a well-known mbinga from Tsholotsho who hosted a lavish half-a-million Rand house-warming party at Mathetshaneni in 2021, has been shot dead in South Africa. Sibanda, originally from Gwelu Village in Mathetshaneni, was reportedly gunned down in Hilbrow in the early hours of Sunday, September 14th.

The news has left many in Tsholotsho and the wider Matabeleland region in shock, particularly those who knew Sibanda for his generosity and support of the local arts scene.

Mr Church Ncube, the Tsholotsho Rural District Council Ward 17 Councillor and a relative of the deceased, confirmed the tragic news. “It is true that he passed away in South Africa. He is my son-in-law. From what we gather, he was shot around 2am in Hilbrow where he had attended a birthday party. At the moment, that is all we have,” he said.

According to sources in South Africa, Sibanda was shot by unknown assailants.

The death of Sibanda has instilled fear within his circle of friends and acquaintances in South Africa. Many are reluctant to speak about the incident, fearing that they too could become targets. “His killers are waiting for anyone who will speak about what happened so you will not get anyone in South Africa to talk to until they feel they are safe to do so,” said a source from South Africa, highlighting the climate of fear surrounding the case.

Sibanda was known for his generosity, particularly his support for needy families in his home village. Mr Ncube noted that the late Sibanda often provided groceries to those struggling in the community.

Beyond his philanthropy, Sibanda was a passionate supporter of the arts, particularly the Rhumba music scene. He and his friends, known as Umzila Wegolide, were renowned for their extravagant displays of generosity at album launches by various Rhumba artists.

Mamba, a businessman based in Insuza and a close friend of Sibanda, expressed his deep sadness at the loss. He revealed that they had several plans in place to support artists in the coming months. “We had planned a surprise for the DJ Mapresa event set for October 4. We had also lined up something for December, which was shattered when I heard he had been shot,” he said.

Sibanda’s passion for music and entertainment was evident in the extravagant house-warming party he hosted in Mathetshaneni in December 2021. The two-day event transformed the village into a music extravaganza, with over a dozen artists, predominantly from the Rhumba genre, taking to the stage.

The impressive line-up of performers included Mxolisi Mr Bones Ndlovu, Clement Magwaza, Tsheba Boys, Dubia Masters, Zinjaziyamluma, Amathonga Amahle, Themba Boyoyo Mathe, Mlambos Express Band, Insimbi Zezhwane, Madlela Sikhobokhobo, Mzoe 7, Amachwane Amahle, and Khaya Arts.

Despite some technical challenges and inclement weather, the house-warming party was a resounding success, showcasing the vibrant talent within the Matabeleland music scene and reflecting Sibanda’s commitment to supporting local artists.

Clement Magwaza’s performance on the first day of the party was a particular highlight. Despite an initial PA system malfunction, which was later rectified by Dubia Masters frontman TK Dube, Magwaza delivered a top-drawer performance, supported by eight dancers, including his wife. His energetic and well-prepared act set a high bar for the other performers.

Mcebisi Mlilo of Amathonga Amahle Brothers also impressed the crowd, with fans throwing money on stage and requesting an encore of his hit song, “Border Post.” Insimbi Zezhwane and Khaya Arts also delivered engaging performances, despite the initial sound issues.

However, the second day of the event, which fell on Christmas Day, was marred by heavy rains, which forced several artists, including TK Dube of Dubia Masters, Mr Bones, Madlela Sikhobokhobo, and Abafana Baka Mlotsha, to cancel their performances.

Despite the weather-related setbacks, the party was a memorable occasion for the villagers of Mathetshaneni, who were treated to a weekend of music and celebration, courtesy of Ndumiso Sibanda’s generosity.

Even Sibanda himself was impressed by Magwaza’s performance, stating, “For me, the Magwaza performance was top notch. Mcebisi also had a good performance and connected well with fans who continued asking him to repeat one of his songs.”

The circumstances surrounding Sibanda’s death remain unclear, and investigations are ongoing in South Africa.