‘Expect fireworks!’ – Zimbabwean a cappella group Nobuntu on their Melbourne debut

Sharing unique performances that present traditional Zimbabwean songs in a variety of styles ranging from Afro-jazz to gospel, Nobuntu’s soulful and charismatic onstage presence drives a mission statement that art can transcend all barriers of race, tribe, and religion.

Calling in from Bulawayo in her native Zimbabwe, member Duduzile Sibanda tells me that much of the setlist for the upcoming show will be comprised of the group’s own bespoke pieces. “Most of our repertoire comprises of our original songs,” she explains. “Some of the songs are not recorded yet, so I don’t know if that counts as new!”

Marking the first time that Nobuntu have performed in Australia, the excitement at their upcoming trip is certainly apparent in Duduzile’s voice over the phone. “We are so, so excited!” she says, with a high lilt that demonstrates even her speaking voice is buoyant and enchanting.

“We can’t wait, because performing for us is something special,” she elaborates, “so each time we give a performance, we resonate with the particular audience. Each and every audience has a different aura and a different energy, so we can’t wait to taste an Australian audience!”

High on Duduzile’s agenda for the upcoming trip to Melbourne will be the cultural exchange gained from sharing stories and space with fellow musicians, to learn how different performers prepare themselves for a show in this new part of the world. As well as that, she is also eager to try our homegrown food culture, exploring Melbourne’s distinct eateries and brunch spots as she makes her first forays down under.

Most of all, though, she wants to give attendees an experience unlike any other, and one they’re unlikely to forget. As she tells me, “Our audience should expect fireworks!”

Duduzile has been a member of Nobuntu for 14 years now, after an organisation called 10^th District made an audition call for female singers who could perform the unique style of a cappella that is native to Zimbabwe, known as mbube. It was after the three other members of what is today Nobuntu attended these auditions and got through, their first steps in professional performance were made.

“It’s been a journey!” she reflects today. “From getting to know how to be with each other, you know, to learning the sounds of mbube… In as much as it is our traditional music,” Duduzile explains, “we don’t sing it that much any more in our families. Times are changing, we’re now getting less and less of our traditional music. Part of why we do this music is to keep it alive.”

In light of this desire to keep the flames burning for older, lesser-known musical traditions, the four members of Nobuntu collectively made a vow to take the artform as far as they could within their performances. It was an understanding that this wasn’t just about singing to people, Duduzile explains, that gave them additional purpose.

“It was about teaching,” she says. “We do music that teaches, we do music that brings upon messages of love; messages of peace, messages of hope!

It was this adopted role that inspired the vow shared between the four performers that they would keep the spirit or mbube alive for as long as possible. In the process, the four women have not only developed as singers but gained stronger understanding of themselves and their role as performers, to spread these messages of love and hope.

“We know we’ve healed souls through our music,” she tells me. “We know we’ve taught a lot of people a lot of lessons. Through our music, we know we’ve given people hope. That’s what we love about music: it keeps us alive.”

For an experience of a unique musical culture, and a performance from four of the most talented and charismatic singers us lot down under are likely to see, Melbournians would be well-served to mark Nobuntu’s upcoming show in their calendars. One night only and not to be missed.

Nobuntu will be performing for one night only at Melbourne Recital Centre, on Wednesday 25 June 2025 at 7:30pm. Get your tickets here.