WOMAD

Albert Nyathi and Imbongi

From Zimbabwe

Albert Nyathi is Zimbabwe's only performance dub poet.Both a playwright and a poet, Albert won the National Poetry Award in 1995. A student at the University of Zimbabwe during the student upheavals of the Arthur Mutambara era, the protest performer became the voice of the student body.Chosen to lead the funeral procession of Joshua Nkomo in October 1999, Albert led an ourpouring of grief from the Ndebele people. His address was a tribute to the only Ndebele government member.His words fuse with the music of the group Imbongi who are seen for the first time in the UK during Albert's debut UK tour in the summer of 2000. The music ranges from trad to blues, jazz and contemporary. The group are held in high regard in Zimbabwe and neighbouring countries. As Imbongi were formed, Albert took the decision to take his music to the people, and consciously tours community halls in townships, making his music accessible to all.Albert and his music and words were chosen to represent Africa by the United Nations at the Youth Congress in Hawaii, October 1999."He can make an audience howl with laughter and he is also capable of bringing the whole nation to tears". Zimbabwe Financial Press, July 1999"Imbongi had them dancing from the first minute. A powerful group. I really didn't want them to stop". The Herald, Zimbabwe, August 1999