Mthatha’s newest singing trio, 047, who were discovered by afro soul singer Vusi Nova last year, will be launching their debut album titled Wen’ Ungowam at the Guild Theatre this Friday.
The trio – Ngcali Nundu, 19, Lihle Baleni, 20, and Sihle Mdaka, 21 – were introduced to Vusi Nova last year after a mutual friend had played their demo for him.
The trio have been doing music for more than five years and received their big break last year, when Vusi Nova took them under his wing. They are currently signed under Muthaland Entertainment/ Ghetto Ruff, the same label as Vusi Nova.
They are inspired by the likes of The Soil, Vusi Nova, Nathi, Ringo and Afrotraction. They released their first single, Ubuhle, last year in September, which saw them performing on various stages across the country.
Prior to releasing the album, Nundu said they were nervous about how the public would receive their music. “It was a bit scary at first because we didn’t know how people would take to our music. So far we’ve been getting positive feedback from the people,” he said.
Nundu said their East London gig on Friday was their first official launch of the album. “In Johannesburg we had a listening sessions which was well attended. The people that came to listen had a lot to say and we were happy with the outcomes of the session,” he said.Nundu said it was significant for them to have their first launch in home soil. “We are excited about launching Wen’ Ungowam in the Eastern Cape, back home. We’re looking forward to Friday; we are busy getting ready for this,” he said.
On the day of the launch the group will be joined by their mentor Vusi Nova, Bekezela and Bongani Radebe. Vusi Nova, who has helped the multi-award winning singer Nathi Mankayi, said artists needed to understand that the industry is big and there’s room for everyone.
Nundu said they were also planning to have a launch in Mthatha. “That is something we want to do but at the moment we are trying to see if the municipality can support us for the show,” he said.
General tickets for the 047 launch cost R200 and VIP are going for R300. Tickets are available at the Computicket and at the Guild Theatre.
The show starts at 6.30pm...