If you follow local reggae or jazz closely, you might have noticed this short and very energetic delivering some riveting vocals that quite often send the audience into a frenzy.  This vocalist performs with bands such as Transit Crew, Hotta Fyah and renowned pianist, Filbert Marova.

Her name is Buhle.

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Q: Who is Buhle?

A: Buhle is a vocalist, born Sharon Ndlovu in January 1985 and bred by her parents in Bulawayo and has four siblings. I was brought up in a Christian family and I started the singing in the church system. When I was grade four at Coghlan Primary I had my first stint in a singing competition with my friends and we won with our song ‘I swear”.

As any other child I grew up involved in various extra-curricular activities which saw me develop into a great athlete. I was a sprinter and captain of the athletics team and I was also leading the Scripture Union at my school,

When I was 17 I got my first musical contract from an Italian gentleman called, Ray Ramondo, he was also the one who worked closely with Afrika Revenge in their formative days back in Bulawayo. From there on the doors started opening gradually.

I then got to travel to Ghana for the African Youth in Governance conference and there I performed the track “Ibizo lam’ nguBuhle” in which I was emphasizing the natural beauty of a woman. From this song I got my stage name ‘Buhle’.

From there I returned home and relocated to South Africa where I was part of a girl band which played at a number of big soccer matches and our music got played on Metro FM.

Q: What were some of the challenges you faced in your career and also being usually the only female artist at reggae shows?

A: There have been a few ups and downs I have faced in my short career. Having started out music as a teenager meant that I had to balance between school and my destiny, which is music. It is at this time that I also had to choose between gospel and secular music. I then chose to go the secular route because I could fully express the general levity of a spirit as opposed to what is supposed to be said in an era.

I would not say being a lady, I feel marginalized as some would say. I believe music is a feeling and if one is able to express it then everything else is secondary. So I am very confident when I am jamming with a member all male group like Transit Crew. I don’t feel looked down upon. I also believe the people I have worked with have been focusing on my gift rather than anything else.

To my fellow female artists who fear that things might change when they get married, I urge them to get a partner who understands fully the musical side you have. This way, he can then assist you in achieving more in your musical career whilst a partner who does not, will just end it for you.

 Buhle performing at the 2015 Harare Jazz Festival PHOTO: T. CHIHAMBAKWE | ZIMBOJAM.COM
Buhle performing at the 2015 Harare Jazz Festival PHOTO: T. CHIHAMBAKWE | ZIMBOJAM.COM

Q: Which one is your genre, reggae or jazz and are you Rastafarian?

A: Buhle the reggae voice is a revelation of my groovy side. Reggae is just a way for me to sing praises to Jah. I see it as a voice speaking to or out of a situation. I love the groove and the spiritual side of it…

I am not Rastafarian. I am a Christian, though I love their ethics and morals, they really do you have morals closer to us as humans.

Jazz is the best teacher. It’s the best musical teacher because jazz is innovation. It’s that line of thought that can be broken down into a playful, soulful or heart gripping sound. I am a jazz vocalist, it’s expressive.

I love both genres in a nutshell.

Q: Which group do you belong to Hotta Fyah or Transit Crew?

A: Transit Crew is a band I admire and adore and will continue to work with when the opportunity comes. Hotta Fyah is the band I call my home, I am working closely with my brothers here to establish my own brand.

On my jazz side, I work closely with Filbert Marova  for whom I have lots of respect and regard as one of the best pianists in Zimbabwe.

Q: When was your biggest break?

A: My biggest break came when I decided to music is what I am going to do in my life. Many would look for an opportunity that’s huge but for me that decision has been the turning point of my career. To me, music is not an act or art or merely business but a lifestyle.

I have played with some amazing acts and at huge platforms. I have sung along the likes of Ringo and jammed with Lucky Dube’s band, sadly this was after his death and of course the memorable performances I have had with Transit Crew and Filbert Marova amongst other local bands.

Q: Have you got any albums or singles as Buhle?

A: I am currently in studio working on my debut singles and they should be out sometime before the end of this month.  Because I was more of a performing artist and not a studio one, I have been trying to get the emotion I have on a live stage into these recordings. It hasn’t been easy and I hope that people will love the music.

Q: Besides music what else are you into?

A: Am working on a television programme for children with a colleague of mine so that’s something to look out for. I also love to cook.

I do my own hair, last went to a saloon years ago and I am a mother of one handsome prince, Munyaradzi Matsvimbo.

Like any other human being I also have issues I carry on my shoulders and one of them is taking care of my brother who has cancer. It’s tough for me at times to get on stage and stage a fiery performance and yet in my mind all I am thinking about is him. I will be doing a fundraising concert for him to raise awareness about this killer disease.