Arts Views with Thabani H Moyo
HE always wears a broad smile. The guitar is his best friend and he strums it with ease. When he won the Bulawayo Arts Award in 2020 for the best newcomer many believed that his recognition was a result of behind the doors politics.
Besides for a man of his age it was not palatable to many how an award meant for ‘new comer’ could be bagged by an old man from Nkayi District. However in his latest offering “Dlala Ntethe” Skhosana has defied the odds and made it clear to the doubting Thomas that he is a man full of surprises and will not hesitate to seize an opportunity presented to him and deliver the goods. In three days after the release the song already has close to thirty thousand hits on YouTube.
Skhosana sings folk music. Folk musicians are great storytellers and whatever they sing about is grounded in culture. Children’s games are one of the most important activities within any people’s culture. It is important that whatever people do, they invest in the children’s games as a way of imparting good morals and values in them and at the same time playing them as a pastime activity.
Folk music also contributes greatly in the acquisition of language by children. In this regard Dlala Ntethe is refreshing as it encourages children to be respectful of adults and at the same time it has great entertainment value.
The song is easy to sing along to. In a few hours after its release it reverberated across borders and sent waves across oceans and had everyone singing and moving to it. In a club in America one reveller is heard appreciating the beauty of the song and he is quick to point out that he doesn’t understand the language. But many will agree, good music transcends cultures and languages. The fact that Dlala Ntethe is being appreciated by those outside the Ndebele and Zimbabwean culture makes it a potent song.
The three minute video that has been released has a very simple storyline. It shows children with bright faces and broad smiles playing at a park with uncle Skhosana. In a circular motion they dance around before Skhosana takes the centre stage with agility and aplomb. It is Skhosana’s dance that leaves many awestruck. The old man has energy and can shake his bums. The dance is a statement that Skhosana is prepared to go to any lengths to promote his art.
They are those who have negatively criticised Skhosana and those behind his songs. Some have said Dlala Ntethe is a bad song not worth promoting. Some have said those supporting Skhosana are misdirecting resources. What and whose standards are those with such acrimonious thoughts using? Such rancorous minds is what has stagnated the growth of our industry as Matabeleland space.
The team that is behind Skhosana’s music should be applauded for a job well done. Big up to Zenzele Ndebele, Dlelas and Cite team for the good work. Their efforts are recognised. Talent searching, nurturing and support that they have done with the Skhosana band is unmatched. Skhosana needs everyone to rally behind him and every right thinking arts consumer and promoter will do exactly that.
