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Vusa Mkhaya

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Vusa Mkhaya
Background information
Birth nameVusumuzi Ndlovu
Born (1974-10-19) 19 October 1974 (age 50)
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
OriginZimbabwe
GenresImbube/World Music/Crossover
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • Producer
InstrumentVocals
Years active1991–present
LabelsMkhaya Music Productions
Websitewww.mkhaya.net

Vusumuzi Vusa Mkhaya Ndlovu (born 19 October 1974), is a Zimbabwean singer, songwriter, composer and producer best known for being a member of the award winning vocal trio, Insingizi. Dubbed "The Ancestor", his expertise spans over two decades encompassing the aforementioned roles. The album that put him in the spotlight was released in 2004, under his musical group Insingizi. With his primary genre being Imbube, Vusa Mkhaya is still not shying out of experimenting with other genres through features with other artists around the world. One prominent EDM artist Ben Böhmer in 2020 sampled one of his compositions "Amathalenta" in an EDM hit single "Cappadocia" which reached over 25 million streams on Spotify.

Early life

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Vusa Mkhaya was born and raised in Tshabalala township, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. From an early age, his love for music was evident, often exhibited a profound passion for music, humming tunes during class hours and transforming lessons into songs. His musical journey began in Sunday school. Vusa's enthusiasm and skill led to his early induction into the school choir at Mahlabezulu Primary School, making him one of the youngest choir members gaining foundational training in choral music under Mrs. Madimabi's guidance.

Growing up in Tshabalala township, he was surrounded by a vibrant musical environment with diverse musical influences. One of his brothers introduced him to Pantsula music from South Africa, while another inspired his love for gospel music through artists like Brian Sibalo, Mechanic Manyeruke, and local choirs. This exposure, combined with his natural curiosity and love for performance, solidified music as an integral part of his life.

Education

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Vusa's formal education began at Mahlabezulu Primary School in Bulawayo, where he developed his vocal abilities under the guidance of passionate choir masters. Tshabalala has two primary schools, Mahlabezulu and Masuku, which made it an interesting experience for him as some of his friends attended the other school, such that they would be friends at home but competitors during choir events.

He continued his education at Ihlathi High School, where he was an active member of the Scripture Union and co-founded an Imbube group with his classmate Ndebenkulu Ndlovu. During this time, he honed his performance skills, drawing inspiration from the music of Ladysmith Black Mambazo and other gospel groups before transitioning to original compositions. In his final years of secondary education, he moved to Ntabazinduna and attended Nhlambabaloyi Secondary School, a move that introduced him to new musical opportunities.

Under the mentorship of choir master Mr. Nyathi, he joined the school's choir and Imbube group, becoming a lead vocalist. His standout performances, including a memorable debut at a school assembly, earned him recognition among students and teachers. Ndlovu also found inspiration in other groups, such as Insingizi Emnyama,[1] a Mzilikazi-based ensemble that he later joined after completing his education. Vusa's innovative spirit and determination were evident as he balanced his academic responsibilities, musical pursuits, and household chores.

Career

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He rose to fame with his much appreciated and celebrated outfit Insingizi in 2004 through the debut album, Spirit of Africa. His first music album was The Spirit of Ubuntu in 2006. He released his second solo album, Vocalism in 2012 after releasing the debut album The Spirit of Ubuntu in 2006. He then released his third solo album, Manyanyatha in 2016.[2][3][4] In January 2018, he held a show at the Bulawayo Theatre with local singer Nkwali, dubbed From Bulawayo to the World, the show was meant to celebrate music from the city.[5][6] He has also sang the theme song for the 2018 Oscar nominated film, Watu Wote.[7]

His album, UManyanyatha was then re-released internationally on 26 June 2020 under Canadian record label Naxos, with additional songs digitally re-mastered and with a new title UManyanyatha – Songs from the Soul of Zimbabwe.[8] Explaining how he came up with the title name for his third album:

Manyanyatha is my nickname that my uncle gave me as a kid. I am told every time music was played on radio or TV I stood up and sang along and danced. This is how the name Manyanyatha was born. So I am paying tribute to those that encouraged me to sing when I was growing up.[9]

Awards and nominations

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Year Award Category Result
2015 Austrian World Music Awards [10] Best Artist Nominated
2019 Zimbabwe Achievers Awards (UK) [11] Service to Music and Cultural Promotions Won
2020 National Arts Merits Awards (NAMA) [12] [13] Outstanding Artist in the Diapora Won
Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards [14] [15] [16] Outstanding Male Artist Nominated
2021 Outstanding Ambassador Won
2022 Nominated
2024 Willi Resetarits Preis Austria Recognition in Artistic originality and social commitment Won

Discography

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Albums

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  • The Spirit of Ubuntu (2006)
  • Vocalism (2012)
  • Umanyanyatha (2016)
  • Umanyanyatha: Songs from the Soul of Zimbabwean (2020)
  • Phuma Featuring Various (2021) Supported by Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA).
  • Khanyisa (2022)

References

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  1. ^ https://worldmusiccentral.org/2017/06/23/artist-profiles-insingizi-emnyama/
  2. ^ "Zimbabwe's Vusa Mkhaya on the joy of singing". bbc.com. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  3. ^ "Vusa Mkhaya becomes first Zimbo to top Australia iTunes charts". chronicle.co.zw. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  4. ^ "10 Interesting Facts About Vusa Mkhaya". thespaper.com. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  5. ^ "Vusa Mkhaya, Nkwali bring Austria vibe to Bulawayo". chronicle.co.zw. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  6. ^ "Nkwali, Vusa Mkhaya remember home". chronicle.co.zw. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  7. ^ "Vusa Mkhaya _"Watu Wote" from the Film Watu Wote". earground.com. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  8. ^ "Mkhaya to re-release 3rd album". newsday.co.zw. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  9. ^ "Vusa Mkhaya releases album title video". sundaynews.co.zw. Retrieved 7 September 2020.
  10. ^ "AUSTRIAN WORLD MUSIC AWARDS 2015: WINNERS ANNOUNCED!". musicexport.at. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  11. ^ "ZAA UK releases 2019 Chairman's Honorary Awards list". nehandaradio.com. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  12. ^ "Bulawayo artistes rule at Nama 2020". chronicle.co.zw. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  13. ^ "2020 NAMA awards winners list". diamondfm.co.zw. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  14. ^ "Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards announces 2020 nominees". earground.com. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
  15. ^ "2021 ROIL Bulawayo Arts Awards: The winners". sundaynews.co.zw. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
  16. ^ 2022 Nominees
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