He's got a big job ahead of him.
Keeping his group's legacy alive while being the last remaining member. Which is what he aims to do, starting with his performance recently.
Kwaito group Big Nuz remains near and dear to the South African public.
Their jovial stage presence and Durban kwaito sounds have seen them etched into the tapestry of local music indefinitely. The passing of their talismanic front man Mandla Maphumulo, known fondly by his fans as Mampintsha, in December of 2022 left the last remaining member of Big Nuz alone and many in doubt as to the continuation of this band, with just one member.
Danger, born Mzingisi Ntshomela, assured fans that Big Nuz would continue and that he had to go on in memory of his fallen brothers and all that they have achieved together. Last weekend in Richard's Bay, Danger took to the stage for the first time without Mampintsha, performing to a near sold-out crowd.
“It’s work hey, it’s a job and we are thankful to the people who continue to support us. It feels good to be back on stage even though it isn’t the same as it was,” Danger says.
He sounds tired as if getting back into the swing of things has been a little demanding. His upcoming schedule is also peppered with gigs From Ladysmith on Friday, the FNB stadium on Saturday as well as a trip to Eswatini, all this coming weekend.
“I love music you know so on Saturday, the vibe was so nice, and it was a big event. I think everyone enjoyed the set and that it went well. People were also well behaved, and no incidents were had which is always good,” the 40-year-old from Durban explains.
He has enlisted the help of two hype men, if you will, and they have been on stage alongside Danger as he performs some of the classics people come to expect from the Big Nuz discography.
“So, I did this show with Bhar and it was great to have him up there on stage. We actually first met in Joburg, back when we were all trying to get things going with our music. We became brothers and now we get to perform together, although Bhar is an artist in his own right."
The story goes that Bhar was a member of Big Nuz before opting out and deciding to go solo before the band grew in notoriety and success.
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Bhar was accused of trying a little too hard to be like Mampintsha by people on social media during this performance. Danger shrugs this off and stands behind the talent of his brother and cohort.
“It was great, and it had been long since I saw Danger. It was purely a coincidence that worked out well. We saw each other at the same event, and he asked me to hop on stage with him and kill it.
“We grew up together all of us. I think it was back when we lived in Hillbrow or Yeoville in the early 2000s, that’s when I got to know the guys,” Bhar chimes as he recounts how they all first met.
Bhar felt at home performing the Big Nuz songs and did what he could to bring his own flavour to the performance.
“People were always saying I should be part of Big Nuz and so now to be on stage doing their songs with Danger is great.”
He isn’t certain if this was just a once off thing or if he might consider doing this more regularly with Danger.
“We need to get into the studio first as I have my own performances and things going on as Bhar. I think if we recorded some new stuff, we might be able to take this further. I think Danger might be looking to get back to work, the 39-year-old says.
Bhar says all this is hinged on what Afrotainment-who Big Nuz has been signed to for quite some time- might like to happen and Danger having his own imprint 108 Records which he might like to be involved more. Only time will tell.
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"I have been working on something hot and I want to drop that EP in Springtime,” Bhar adds.
Right now, he is focused on working at his solo career and enjoying the business of music.
“Look as I said, it was great to be on stage and I know that Mashesha [Sbu Khomo] and Mampintsha are looking down and wanting us to further the Big Nuz legacy and if I can help then I definitely would.”
