UMLAZI in Durban is known as the home of acappela groups, because many top groups are from the kasi.
On Saturday, 20 November, the Umlazi Acappela Music competition was held at Umlazi Cinema, where 18 groups competed on stage.
The four judges had a tough time deciding who the winner was because of all the talent.
The judges included Imbewu: The Seed actor Sandile Dlamini, Samke Mkhize of MTN Joyous Celebration, Sakhile Thenjwayo of Umlazi Gospel Choir and Mandla Ntuli of Abanqobi.
They ended up with two number ones.
Umlazi Gospel Choir and Isibusiso Musical Group tied and organiser Brush Mncadi of Brush Mncadi Foundation told SunBuzz they would still decide what to do about the prize money.
“The winner was supposed to win R30 000 cash but since we are having two number ones, we will have a meeting as the foundation to come up with a solution.
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“I didn’t expect that we would have two number ones but I’m happy that my first competition managed to have the best of the best.”
Isibusiso Group leader Charles Zuma told SunBuzz they were surprised when they heard they had tied for number one.
“We started our group in 2016 at Zion Apostolic Church in Umlazi and we knew we would win because our style differs from too many acappella groups around our township. We have 14 members.
“We are sing our acappela in a different way because we sing it like choral music and mix it with genres like Afro-pop.
“We will continue to spread the words of God with our music as we release our debut single song in January and follow with the album.”
Umlazi South Gospel Choir leader Sibonelo Mthembu told SunBuzz he was surprised to be tied at number one, as they formed their group in March.
“We have 34 members and we still want to take Umlazi acappela music to another level.
“Our acappela is different because we make sure our songs accommodate all people because the group is made up of people from different types of churches.”
