Bulawayo – Otis Ngwabi, a name synonymous with the golden era of Zimbabwean urban grooves, is back, and he’s not holding back. The musician, famed for his hit song “Ndiwe,” is set to make a triumphant return to the music scene with the re-release of his track “Nomzamo,” a collaboration with renowned South African artists, including Zulu Boy.
Ngwabi’s journey is one of resilience and reinvention, a testament to the enduring power of music and the artist’s unwavering passion. He has navigated the ebb and flow of the music industry, embracing opportunities and challenges with a spirit of determination.
“Nomzamo,” a tale of love and loss, is set to be the catalyst for Ngwabi’s resurgence. The song, which tells the story of a man whose wife leaves him for greener pastures, is a powerful exploration of heartbreak, longing, and the complexities of relationships.
“Nomzamo tells a sad love story,” Ngwabi shared with The Chronicle. “A friend of mine was involved with a lady who left him for greener pastures. He used to cry and confide in me about how much he missed her and looked forward to meeting her again, but unfortunately, when she left, she never responded to him again.
“Years passed without them communicating until she came back sick and wanted his attention, but he had moved on. Even though he loved her, so much had changed that he couldn’t give her back, that long-lost love.”
Ngwabi’s collaboration with Zulu Boy, a prominent figure in South African film and music, adds another layer of depth and intrigue to the project. Zulu Boy, whose real name is Mxolisi Mgingqeni Majozi, is known for his roles in films like “Intersexions,” “Gold Diggers,” “Uzalo,” and “Durban Gen,” and for his hit song “Nomalanga.” His presence on “Nomzamo” is sure to bring a fresh perspective and a wider audience to the track.
The song’s production is a collaborative effort, featuring the talents of Bella Charlie, a Zimbabwean music producer based in South Africa, Papy Nsenga, and Ngwabi’s manager, Unathi Memela. This international collaboration speaks volumes about Ngwabi’s ambition and his desire to reach a global audience.
Ngwabi acknowledges that the initial release of “Nomzamo” was hampered by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he is confident that the re-release, accompanied by a professionally produced music video, will make a lasting impact.
“This is like the re-release of Nomzamo and our expectations are high because the first time we didn’t do it quite right because of the Covid era,” he said. “Now, we have made solid plans to re-release the song along with a video.”
The musician is working tirelessly to ensure that “Nomzamo” becomes a hit, promising fans an unforgettable musical experience.
“This single is going to make people dance and fall in love,” he enthused. “I’m looking forward to completing it and letting people enjoy my music.”
Ngwabi’s return to the music scene comes after a period of relative quiet. He spent four years in South Africa, honing his craft and collaborating with established artists. His time in South Africa was marked by the release of the house song “Buyisela,” produced by DJ Zwesta SA, and collaborations with artists like Nathi Mankayi, Sliq Angel, DJ Darque, Touch the Malachi, DJ Zwesta, and Mr. Brown.
“After leaving home, seeking greener pastures in neighbouring South Africa, I never stopped making music,” Ngwabi explained. “I’ve been quite lucky because I’ve had the opportunity to mingle with big artists such as Nathi Mankayi and Sliq Angel.
“I’ve also gotten the opportunities to work with South African artistes like Zulu Boy, DJ Darque, Touch the Malachi, DJ Zwesta and Mr. Brown.”
Ngwabi’s musical journey began in Harare, where he was born, and continued in Bulawayo, where he was raised. His passion for music blossomed after high school, leading him to pursue a professional career in music. He recorded his first album, “Inkondlo Zothando,” with producer Babongile Sikhonjwa, featuring hit songs like “Ndiwe,” “Nom’uhlala kude,” and “Molo Ntombi.”
“I recorded my first album, Inkondlo Zothando, with my producer Babongile Sikhonjwa. It featured popular songs like Ndiwe, Nom’uhlala kude and Molo Ntombi, all of which received significant airplay on radio,” Ngwabi shared.
“The album also helped me get recognised by Albert Nyathi, among many other big artistes I’ve worked with in Harare and Bulawayo.”
Ngwabi’s journey is a testament to the enduring power of music and the artist’s ability to adapt and reinvent himself. His collaboration with Zulu Boy and the re-release of “Nomzamo” are sure to reignite his career and introduce him to a new generation of music lovers. His upcoming tour, featuring Zulu Boy, Bella Charlie, Simba Ci, and other artists, promises to be a celebration of music, talent, and the enduring spirit of a musician who has never lost his passion for creating music that touches hearts and moves souls.
