Sandra Ndebele born in Bulawayo on the 3rd of January 1982 is Zimbabwean musician, director, actress, choreographer and dancer. She has made a name for herself in Zimbabwe as a versatile performer, having flown the country’s flag high in India, Dubai, China, United Kingdom, Russia, Canada and Japan.[1] Sandra is married to Nkanyiso Mbusi Sibindi, and a mother of 2 boys.[2]
Biography
She was raised in Tshabalala Township before her family moved to Nkulumane Township. She was raised in the Seventh Day Adventist church, and started singing in church where she was an active member of the youth choir. While at Founders High School, she won first prize in the National Association of Secondary School Heads (NASH) public-speaking competition after she presented the speech “Black and Proud”, by famed Zimbabwean dub poet, Albert Nyathi. She was later incorporated into a lead role perfoming with Mpopoma High School performing theatre, music and dance. This troupe was the founding of Inkululeko Yabatsha School of Art (IYASA) which toured Zimbabwe, Austria and the Czech Republic.
She later embarked on a solo career. She released her 10-track debut solo album, “Tshaya Tshaya”, in February 2003. In the same year of the release, she was nominated in three categories in the inaugural Zimbabwe Music Awards (ZIMA) which was held at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) in December 2003. She was nominated in the Most Promising Artiste, Best Female and Best Urban Grooves (Female) Award categories.
Social Responsibility
In 2007 she donated a Baumanomet machine to Princess Margaret Rose Clinic in Bulawayo. The machine is used to check blood pressure. At the time of the donation, the clinic had gone without a Baumanomet machine for months. Her passion for assisting children with education saw her in 2004 Sandra hold a fundraising show at SOS Hermann Gmeiner Primary School in Bulawayo. SOS School Orchestra, the school’s marimba band, curtain raised for her, during the show that was held to fund raise for library books. In 2005 she performed at a number of primary schools in the country to assist them in raising funds. In Bulawayo she performed at schools which include Tategulu in Cowdray Park, Robert Tredgold in Makokoba, Mahlabezulu in Tshabalala and Barham Green Primary School. In Gweru she performed at Munga Primary in Ascot, Riverside in Athlone and Matinunhura in Mkoba.
She also held shows to fundraise for Midlands State University. The shows were to raise funds for the building of a multipurpose hall, boosting the university library and improving gender awareness programmes. In 2006 she opened a culture centre, Umuzi Wakwethu and a restaurant specializing in traditional foods at Amakhosi Township Square Cultural Centre.[3]
Discography
- 2003 - 2004 Tshaya Tshaya songs, Mama mama, Love you ma,
- 2004 - 2005 Ekhaya songs, Malaika, Ekhaya,
- 2005 - 2006 Ayoyoyo songs , Into yami, Nkulunkulu, Silver jubilee,Mwana wangu, Ayoyoyo
- 2006 - 2007 Dub-Encane songs, guva rangu, Zazingena, Gari mkaranga,Nomalanga
- 2008 - 2009 Life goes on songs, Inzima lindlela,Yithi laba, Sbali,Yarira ngoma, Sthandwa sami,Londolozela
- 2010 - South Africa Ayoba an open source project supporting the world cup.
- 2011 - Intombi Zomqangala Russia Project
- 2012 - Intombi Zomqangala Canada, Russia, United Kingdom Project
- 2013 - No Matter What songs, Jaiva, Uthwelizembe, Bamb' iqolo, Our Beautiful Zimbabwe, Abantwana, LOVE.[4]
Achievements
Sandra Ndebele, as she is popularly known in show business, she was set to feature as Siphetho in Cont Mhlanga's upcoming drama called The Nyaminyami. The wife of a farm manager, played by exciting and experienced actor Thulani Mbambo. Mhlanga said he was surprised and impressed by the mother of two's performances during the auditions.[5].
Awards
Local
- Best Female Dancer for the (NAMA)
- Best Urban grooves female Artist (ZIMA)
- Nominee Best Live Band Act
- Director and Executive Producer for Intombi Zomqangala
International
- Best International Act (UMFAZI) at the National Student Drama Festival in England 2012.[6]
- Best Jury Production at the Atlantic Fringe Festival 2012.[7]
Sandie Crafts
Sandra provides you with a wide range of traditional Ndebele mastery in the art of beadwork. Traditional beaded garments include Necklaces, bracelets, imisisi (traditional skirts) and even bras are available in the form of beads. She is also an aspiring fashion guru, bringing in the latest fashion trends for resale in Zimbabwe.[8]
Controversy
It was her unique style of dancing that saw her rise to stardom and was arguably one of the best artistes in the country. However, her dance style soon earned her all sorts of names and was described as loose and likened her act to a sign of moral decadence.[9]