Nobuntu brings a little bit of everything to the table as the group shares its music, culture and a cappella abilities
BYU welcomes the all-female a cappella group Nobuntu to campus to share its origins from Zimbabwe, singing everything from traditional Zimbabwean music, to Gospel, to Afro-Jazz. Beginning in 2011, the quintet uses five-part a cappella, as well as dancing and traditional instruments, as part of its performance.
BYU Arts Producer Bridget Benton said, “The word ‘Nobuntu’ is an African concept that values humbleness, love, unity and family from a woman’s perspective.” She continued, “The ensemble represents a new generation of young African women singers who celebrate and preserve their culture, beauty and heritage through art.”
Members Zanele Manhenga, Thandeka Moyo, Duduzile Sibanda, Heather Dube and Joyline Sibanda each share their skills to create the final product. Many of the women, along with their signing abilities, are also songwriters. Some of their other passions include dancing, percussion, writing, fashion design and makeup artistry.
The Nobuntu members have a love for music and find power in it. Duduzile Sibanda, who started singing at a young age, said, “Music is my first love and passion and through it I live.”
The performance will take place in the Harris Fine Arts Center Madsen Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 26. Tickets for this event may be purchased at https://byutickets.evenue.net/.