The Zealots performing at Baran’s.
1 October 2013
On 29 September, Baran’s Restaurant hosted an “African heritage fundraising show” for an African soul reggae band called The Zealots.
The Zealots from Zimbabwe is made up of three band members; James “Sirbede” Njikiza, David “Billy-mo” Mukai and Whatmore Muchuwe. They have been together for two years.
Local artists across Cape Town came to support The Zealots. Radical Xpression, an arts group, facilitated the function. Ziphozakhe Hlobo, its managing director, said: “It’s difficult in the music industry, especially when working alone, and that’s when the spirit of ubuntu came to play. Our [Radical Xpression’s] main objective is to help each other produce quality shows … Yes, we would love to make money one day, but for now we are development driven.”
Author Gumbi, manager of The Zealots, said, “I met The Zealots last year. After sitting and listening to their music I fell in love with their acoustics — the message in the beat … We started working together. Months later we’re releasing a CD.”
James “Sirbede” Njikiza said, “The name of our band means obedient soldier, and I would describe our music as edutainment. We educate and entertain with the beat that carries a message. This show is about killing two birds with one stone: artist standing up in support of each other — helping each other grow, and it is about raising not only funds but awareness of our music.”
David “Billy-mo” Mukai said, “We sing in seven different languages. Our music is very diversified with positive vibrations of love and soul. The beat will make you listen even if you don’t know the language.”
Other performers included Amathongo, Lundi Mlonyeni, Ziqu Pro-Found and Ingonyama Yamagama.
“Nobody ever makes it on their own”, said Hlobo, “that is why we had to rise to the occasion and support our brothers.”
The Zealots will launch their CD on 26 October at the Old German Club.