FJP
Dineo Pule and Sakhile Moleshe of local band uDaba performing live at the Cuervo Music Room during the National Arts Festival
Dinilohlanga Mekuto -fjp reporter
uDaba (Burning Issue) is a five piece group. The members of the group are Dineo Pule and Sakhile Moleshe (Vocalists), Phumelele Lavisa (Lyricist), Sibusiso Mnyanda (Poet) and Luyolo Lenga (Guitarist/Instrumentalist).
The members met in 2005, and formed uDaba a year later. Dineo has been in the music circles for sometime, having worked with Simphiwe Dana. Phumelele and Luyolo are members of a Xhosa hip hop group called Izithunywa Zohlanga, meaning the tribes messengers.
When I asked them what brought them together Phumelele said “Our love for music and African languages brought us together”. The group currently perfom their songs in isiXhosa because “Our languages help us know who we are and we find it easier to express our views in a language we were brought up in, though I am Sotho, I grew up in the Eastern Cape speaking isiXhosa” said Dineo.
The group has had perfomances in cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town (Obz Fest), East London and at the Chimurenga Workshop at Rhodes University.
uDaba is currently working on a documentary called Royal Shadows, a production which looks at the lineage of the Xhosa kings and kingdoms. In December they will be working with uMadosini at a show in Cape Town. When asked what their goal was Phumelele said “We want to grow in our Art and would love to extend our music beyond our borders to touch and inspire the youth of Africa”.
Filed under: Entertainment, FJP at National Arts Festival 2008, Features, Interviews | Tagged: Dinilohlanga Mekuto, isiXhosa, Izithunywa Zohlanga, Language, uDaba
Ndiseyidyongwana engekazinto kodwa my language commes 1st.I’m struggling to start a career path in expressing myself in my mother tounge…..I bagan writing my verses in 2004,Im still 17 originally from Grahamstown but now live in Jozi.If you not that busy,please give me a few tips on how to be original and write in Xhosa……Im also looking 4ward 2 your new album…please hook me up with some imfo…my no. is 0835524444 plase contact me because ndidinga ukuba phantsi kwefuthe lamadoda
UDABA PHAMBILI……PEACE!!!!
Zithandwa, I came across u guys earlier this afternoon on HEADWRAP. Anaz’ ukba bendivuye njani 2 c ulutsha luziqhenya ngamasiko nenkuliso yalo. I myself am still young. At 20yrs, I do however understand the importance of having my feet anchored deep into my culture. For u guys 2 have managed 2 shake up a little nobody ryt in the heart of KZN like myself, says a lot abt the influence that u have bn entrustd and blessed with by the greater power/s. U are in my thoughts & prayers. Finally, I believe that the TRUTH always resurfaces, & frm where I’m standing, u guys are da TRUTH… remember that in times of tides… P.S – I knw its kinda risky, bt cud u guys hook me up with a heads-up as soon as ur CD is available at outlets? My no. 0799385991.
Memorable performance. Beautiful!