by Amogelang Aysha Ramatena
TUT alumna, Dr Tribute ‘Birdie’ Mboweni, a multi-talented artist and anthropologist, has released a special tribute in celebration of Heritage Month.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Dr Birdie shared the inspiration behind her modern rendition of the iconic Xitsonga song ‘Nghwenyama’, originally performed by the late Mhani Madyakubomba.
Anthropologist and musician Dr Tribute ‘Birdie’ Mboweni.
She describes the project as a fusion of her anthropological insights and artistic curiosity, where she seeks to “bridge the gap between past and present.”
By reimagining Nghwenyama, Dr Birdie aims to honour the legacy of Mhani Madyakubomba while bringing new life to the traditional sounds of South Africa. Collaborating with a diverse group of musicians, including producer Ziyawakazitha Matsenjwa from Eswatini and guitarist Djivas Madeule from Mozambique, the song celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Southern Africa.
The project also features contributions from South African talents such as bassist Gally Ngoveni and percussionist Thabang Tabane.
Dr Birdie expressed immense gratitude to Mhani Madyakubomba’s family for supporting her vision. In particular, she thanked Mhani’s son, musician Brian Bomba, for his guidance throughout the project, as well as her brother Maxwell Baloyi for helping her access the traditional music archives.
Now available on all digital platforms, Nghwenyama is the first single from Dr Birdie’s upcoming album Matimu – Footprints In Nature. She invites listeners to engage with the song on a deeper level, not just hearing the music but feeling the stories of South Africa’s land and ancestors.
With this tribute, Dr Birdie continues her commitment to preserving history through both her academic and artistic work, using music as a medium to explore the ties between past, present, and future.