Zuma hunts for SADC back-up dancers, musicians

Former South Africa president Jacob Zuma, who is set to record a full-length album of struggle songs this year, is on the hunt for musicians and back-up dancers and will cast his net throughout SADC, including in the Land of the Brave.
The album, which has caused massive controversy after it was confirmed by the eThekwini municipality in Durban last year, will also feature Ladysmith Black Mambazo, but according to project leader Sifiso Dlamini, Zuma is looking to expand the album’s reach by roping in regional musicians and dancers.
Dlamini spoke exclusively to Namibian Sun, after he hinted on social media that Zuma was looking to get the attention of SADC artists and especially female dancers.
The Durban municipality’s parks, recreation and culture head Thembinkosi Ngcobo told News24 last year that the idea was conceptualised two to three years ago in Durban.
Zuma, who is well-known for his rendition of the struggle classic Umshini Wami, will be travelling personally to the various SADC countries to attend the auditions at venues to be announced later this month
"We were looking at artists and trying to revive these types of songs. It was very difficult. We tried to find any archived material that had video clips or any voice clips. But we could not find anything in the museums," Dlamini said of their unsuccessful hunt in South Africa for the right mix of dancers and musicians to make the project a reality.
Asked explicitly about when Namibia’s auditions would be held, he was tight-lipped, saying an announcement was expected towards the middle of the month.
“The ladies should just be ready. Umsholozi is coming personally.
"He wants people with real talent in everything. He will also be serenading a few of the lucky ladies, and will be spending time with them personally to make sure they have the right chemistry."