When the voices of Insingizi rise, the soul of Zimbabwe comes alive. Warrior chants, spiritual songs, revolutionary hymns, this powerful a cappella trio brings Ndebele traditions to life, blending memory, courage and a fierce joy of living.
Blessings ‘Nqo’ Nkomo, Vusa Mkhaya Ndlovu, and Future Sibanda first found their voices in the school choirs of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second largest city, during a time of great political upheaval. Their songs speak of the war of independence, exile, faith, family, the everyday life in the townships of Zimbabwe and above all, of resilience and dignity. Here, music becomes an act of resistance. Insingizi’s songs are filled with hope, optimism and faith. Wherever they perform, the purity of their vocal interplay is overwhelmingly beautiful, the lyrics are ultimately hopeful, and the inherent tone of their message is true to their spiritual beliefs.
On stage, their three voices weave together into one, echoing the insingizi, or rainbird, from which the group takes its name. In this species, the female sings differently from the male and when both sing together, a unique harmony emerges, almost as if a choir were performing. “We hope our sound is as beautiful as that of the insingizi,” says Vusa Mkhaya with a smile.
Often compared to those other luminaries of southern African choral music, the 9-piece Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Insingizi achieve that similar warm, beautiful sound with just three members.
Since their breakout hit Bantu-Nonke-Sugar-Daddy an HIV-awareness anthem in the 1990s, to their Golden Record Award in the U.S. (250,000 albums sold) and the France Musique prize, Insingizi has brought the sounds of Southern Africa to audiences around the world. Their concerts are always a powerful blend of vocals, percussion, rich polyphony and traditional dance.
Blessings ‘Nqo’ Nkomo: vocals
Vusa Mkhaya Ndlovu: vocals
Future Sibanda: vocals, percussion
Vanhaerents Art Collection
Step into a world of bold, thought-provoking contemporary art at the Vanhaerents Art Collection. Lovingly curated by Walter Vanhaerents and his children, Els and Joost, this private collection brings together daring works that push boundaries and spark conversations.
It all began in the 1970s, when a young Walter started collecting pieces that were considered radical for their time, laying the foundation for what has become one of the world’s most exciting private art collections.
Today, the collection showcases both established and emerging artists across every medium: from painting, sculpture and drawing to installation, photography and video. It’s a vibrant reflection of today’s artistic energy and an inspiring setting for a musical experience that breaks the mold.
Info & tickets:
https://muziekpublique.be/concerts/20250819_hideandseekfestival_insingizi_18h30/?lang=en
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