New album shifts focus
DESPITE being popular for his soulful love songs‚ afrosoul singer Ntando Bangani said he was grateful that the new “revolutionary” direction in his music had been well received by his fans.
The musician‚ whose latest offering Mayibuye (let the land return) has received general acclaim, said he felt it was about time music addressed societal issues.
“I know that I am known for love songs‚ and I still have love songs [on my album] but I have been loving people’s comments. It has made me grateful to have made the choice to also sing about things that are happening in society‚ like the land issue,” Ntando said.
Initially nervous that the “new message-filled” songs would not impress his fans, Ntando said he had been pleasantly surprised by the positive response.
The Nguwe hitmaker will be performing at the upcoming MAMS Arts Festival this weekend and said he looked forward to performing his fresh material, well as his popular hits.
The musician said he hoped that more musicians could use their platforms to spark dialogue about issues that affected their community.
“I truly feel that as musicians we are given a platform‚ a huge platform to speak about anything really‚ as but we choose to talk about mostly our boyfriends and girlfriends and how much money we have.
“I don’t want my children to grow up and ask the same questions I did about the land issue.
“The conversation needs to begin now so that they find progress,” Ntando said. — DDR