Afro-soul star to take trio places
Good exposure for Mthatha-born singing group
THREE Mthatha-born singing hopefuls are set for stardom after afro-soul singer Vusi Nova gave them muchneeded exposure this week.
The three – Ngcali Nundu, 19, Lihle Baleni, 20, and Sihle Mdaka, 21 – caused a stir on social media with their acapella sounds after Vusi Nova posted a video of them singing. He asked the public to help him come up with a name for the band.
Vusi Nova was introduced to the music of the rising stars a few months ago.
Speaking to the Saturday Dispatch this week, Vusi Nova said he heard about the boys through a friend who knows one of their relatives.
“It’s a long story but to keep it short, I was impressed by their demo. I wasn’t sure what to do with them at first, but I knew I had to do something,” he said.
Vusi Nova did what came natural to him, and that was to help get the trio in studio. In the video he posted, the three were singing with Ntando of Ndiyamthanda fame.
The Port Elizabeth-born singer said starting out in the industry was not easy and he therefore wanted the trio to have a better experience than him.
“No one wanted to help me when I started out. I had friends who were already in the music industry but they didn’t want to help me.
“I made a vow that when I make it, I would make it easier for other people coming into the industry,” he said.
The three said they were excited to be working with Vusi Nova.
Nundu said they have been singing together for the past five years and have never thought of coming up with a name for the group.
“We were young when we started singing together and we didn’t really take it seriously, that’s why we didn’t bother coming up with a name. All we knew was that we love music,” said Nundu.
Vusi Nova also gave the trio an opportunity to perform live on the Umhlobo Wenene FM Women’s Day special show this week.
They performed their single, Ubuhle, a milestone for them as their music had never been played on radio before.
In 2015, the country was introduced to Nomvula hitmaker, Nathi Mankayi, thanks to Vusi Nova.
“People always worry that the new guys will come and take their place. Nathi performed in all of my shows because I wanted to help him – that didn’t dim my light.
“I like helping people achieve their dreams and it brings such joy in my heart to be able to do the same with these young guys.”
Vusi Nova said the yet-to-benamed band would be releasing its debut single, Ubuhle, which he features on, later this month.
“This song is going to be a national anthem. These guys are amazing,” he said.
The band is scheduled to release an album early next year. For now, they will be working hard in the studio with Vusi Nova assisting them. — poliswap@dispatch.co.za