Introduction & Background Information

Amongst the Matebele people, their religion is syncretic. It combines both Christianity with traditional beliefs systems symbolised by the Ndebele oracle in the sacred Matopos Moun- tains (Emetojeni). With the major mountain of worship being Njelele, where rainmaking ceremony is held, dance and the “Rhythms of the Matabele” are echoed out from the mountains to the hearts its people, a musical aspect that Matojeni Melo-Maniacs are sharing with the rest of the world.

Matojeni Melo-Maniacs (MMM) are a cultural group that consists of veteran artistes – Nomathamsanqa Mkhwananzi, Patricia Thandeka Thandy Dhlana-Jele, Gugulethu Sibanda, Mthabisi Moyo and Bekezela Siziba, with Blessings Nqo Nkomo, being the ensemble’s manager.

The aim of this project is to promote and preserve the Ndebele culture. It also involves providing a platform for women to access opportunities, resources, and their rights, and to have control over their own lives.

Description of Music

As the globetrotting creatives joined forces in forming MMM, it is expected for the project to be a humdinger of a venture as the group's first Extented Play (EP) Rhythms of the Matebele released in June 2023, has got all the stakes high for a cultural joint.

The EP consists of songs Pembela, Africa, Emeli lo-Dlala Regina, Inkomo Zamalobolo, and an extended version of Emeli Lo. It is a cocktail of diverse languages that cut across borders, catering to a diverse audience.

Their first ever project will surely resonate with the Kalanga clan as the song “Pembela” (loosely translated as “Wander aimlessly”) is sung in their language and carries the Amabhiza traditional dance forward, a stance which shows the group’s desire to uplift traditional song and dance.
The EP carries weighty cultural significance as it teaches how the Matabele interact. In the song, Inkomo Zamalobolo, the issue of the importance of dowry payment is brought to the fore and teaches the young that marital issues have to be done by the book.

The merging of traditional instruments like the shaker (hosho), drums and Europe- an ones like the guitar and the keyboard gives a distinct and authentic African sound to this project.

"Our goal in performing traditional music is to bring people together through music. By singing and performing our traditional music, we have laid a strong foundation that no one can take away from us. The foundation will give us the power to control our lives,” said Nkomo who is the group’s manager.