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Omama Bokuthula end 20-year search

AFTER searching for a recording deal for 20 years, female maskandi group Omama Bokuthula are looking forward to their new career.

Based in Colenso, Ladysmith, the 12-woman band finally got their break through Nonjiko Music Production.

Lead singer Nandi Madondo says they formed the group in 1990. All these years they have been performing at weddings and traditional events for fun.

"Since we did not have money to record demos we just decided to be a local group," Madondo says .

"It was midway through last year that Stanley Dladla loved our performance and decided to give us a chance. We went to the studio for the first time."

The group released its debut album, Baba Val'emnyango. Madondo says the release marked a new chapter in life for them.

"We have been searching for a recording deal for many years and finally we got it. Now that Dladla has given us the platform we want to show people what we can do. Most importantly we are looking forward to the challenge."

As mature women the group's music looks at issues of love, marriage and women.

"In the title track, Baba Val'emnyango, we are trying to mend broken marriages. We encourage love between married people. We have done the song in a humorous way but the message is there."

The group boasts a fresh maskandi style called isigenkle. They dress in beautiful traditional Zulu garb and dance in a civilised manner as mature people.

"Our style is different and the way we dance is done in an exciting way. Our music caters for both young and old."

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