Iyana – Iyana (Delicious Tunes, 2022)
On June 24th, 2022, the Zimbabwean duo, Iyana, unveiled their debut studio album, aptly titled Iyana. Founded by the accomplished guitarist and producer, Trustworth Samende, in collaboration with the consummate vocalist, Qeqeshiwe Mntambo, Iyana (meaning “It’s raining”) emerged as a captivating act grounded in Zimbabwean roots.
Initially convened as an experimental project melding traditional melodies with contemporary innovations, the convergence of Samende’s virtuosity and Mntambo’s multifaceted vocal skill catalyzed a transformation, elevating the project into a perennial pursuit of artistic expression.
The duo’s sound encapsulates Ndebele traditional harmonies interwoven with masterfully crafted eclectic influences spanning Southern, Western, and Eastern African flavors. The compositions therein traverse a spectrum of topics pertinent to contemporary Southern Zimbabwean society. Iyana’s themes range from matrimonial dynamics, hereditary legacies, and the complexities of love to societal afflictions such as melancholy, economic exigencies, and intercultural tensions.
Musicians: Trustworth Samende on guitars, percussion, and backing vocals; and Qeqeshiwe Mntambo on lead vocals and backing vocals.
More about the band: iyanamusic.com
Author: Douglas Sanders
