After nearly 20 years as a backing vocalist, singer Nomabotwe Mtimkulu has released her debut album.
After nearly 20 years as a backing vocalist, singer Nomabotwe Mtimkulu has released her debut album. Hamba Ungemi.
The title reflects her bold move towards a solo career.
“When I first wrote the album, I was inspiring myself not to give up on this dream, to share my gifts and create healing music,” Nomabotwe said. The Citizen.
The 37-year-old, known simply as Nomabotwe on stage, has provided vocal support to notable artists such as Ringo Malingozi, Arno Castanes and the late Jabu Khanyil, to name just a few.
“Hamba Ungemito this day, is what motivates me to keep going despite the challenges of being an independent musician. I now offer this album as a gift, motivation, and healing to people all over the world,” she said.
Translated, the title means “Keep going and don't stop.”
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go solo
Nomabotwe said the time was right for her to take a solo path.
“I look at my years as a backing vocalist as training and preparation to step into the limelight. I know the dos and don’ts, have the necessary discipline, and have worked with well-known artists, small and medium-sized artists. I have worked in choirs of all sizes and local music organizations,” she said.
“This is not about being in the spotlight, but rather sharing my gifts with the world.”
The singer was also part of the group in the early days of the industry. Before pursuing a solo career, she was part of a band called 3 Quarter.
“We had to change the brand name to Maisha because one of our members left. The last member left and the brand disbanded,” she said of the group's journey.
She was also a member of the Joy of Africa and Voice of the Nation choirs.
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album
The nine-track album is a soothing and inspirational take on a spiritual journey with elements of jazz and gospel.
“I believe music connects us, and I've created an album that has something for everyone,” she said.
The album was released in November 2024.
“My music is contemporary African music with elements of jazz and gospel. I grew up in church, started in the church choir, moved to choral music, then moved to jazz. This album is my journey. I think it reflects my experience,” she said.
The title track is Isweretu (Live at Lamentations Concert) and opening song tarhu hallelujah I echo Nomabotwe's quote above.
The 37-minute album also includes other fun elements, including: Nyanga and Lisiwe.
“It took me three years to put together the album because I couldn't afford it financially. I'm an independent artist, so I had to bear all the costs,” the singer asserted.
Although the music is new to the listener, it feels like it has been refined over three years and is well fermented, like a good umkombti (traditional beer).
She said the music had been around for at least 10 years, but there just wasn't the resources to bring it to life in a recording studio.
“I've been doing this music for over 10 years. Some music hasn't been recorded and remains unreleased due to lack of resources, but we'll get there.”
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deliver it to people
The album is scheduled to be released at the end of 2024, and Nomabotwe said she and her team will be working hard to promote the album this year.
“My team and I are working on promoting the album through radio airplay and intercity tours and promotions. We might be coming to a city near you soon, so we hope you'll give us a listen!” ” she said.
“I am in discussions with a number of artists who have been very receptive to me and my work, and I look forward to collaborating with them.”
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