Somandla Ndebele
Biography - Discography

Biography

B: Kwekwe, 1970

A sungura star in the mold of Leonard Dembo, Somandla Ndebele has achieved popularity after a 10 year career which spans more than 11 albums.

Ndebele began his musical education through his school's youth choirs. His interest in music continued, and in 1989, while still in high school, Somandla released his first single. Mandisomera/Chidochemoyo ended charting in the Top Twenty. Three more singles followed before Somandla moved on to albums.

Between 1992 and 1995, Somandla released three albums on RTP, most notably 1993's Vanondivenga Hawachapera, which produced his first true hit, Nditungamirirei. However, success wasn't forthcoming. Moving to Gramma Records, Ndebele's popularity heightened with hits like Watyora Chitsidzo (from 1996's Ziva Zvaunoda), and Zvikoni Zvikoni (from 1997's Kusaziva Kufa). His greatest success came via Wakandidara from his album 1998 Tendai.

Somandla has continued to produce albums, including his 2002 compilation Tsanangudzo, which serves as a career retrospective. He has also released two duet albums with fellow Kwekwe star Tongai Moyo.

Discography

Vanondivenga Hawachapura

Released: 1993
Label: RTP
Format: Cassette
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Somandla's first album success came via the hit Nditungamirirei.

Kusaziva Kufa

Released: 1997
Label: Gramma
Format: Cassette
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His second release on Gramma spawned two hits, Zvikoni Zvikoni and Zvenyika.

Tave Parumano

Released: 2000
Label: Gramma
Format: Cassette
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One of his more successful albums, Tave Parumano sold over 35 000 copies.

Tsanangudzo

Released: 2002
Label: Gramma
Format: Cassette
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A veritable "best of…" album, this 2000 compilation includes ones new song.