BULAWAYO - Jazz group, The Outfit Band, will launch their 10-track debut album titled Smile at Horizon Club in the City of Kings on March 28.
After several years on the Bulawayo music scene, the contemporary jazz group has finally plucked up the courage to give the world a glimpse of what they are capable of.
Blessing Sitotombe, bassist and band leader of the group that was formed in 2007, is confident that the launch of their maiden album will usher in a new lease of life for them.
“We promise to deliver a breath-taking performance and an amazing show,” said Sitotombe.
“People in the city of Bulawayo have always supported us. They have responded well to our preparations for the launch and we are determined to give them a great time.”
According to the leader of the six-member outfit, the album was recorded at MFD studios in Harare before being mastered and mixed in South Africa.
“Our debut album contains great tracks like More than Friends, Zambezi and Roots. The album has four instrumentals and six vocal songs. Everything is in order in terms of preparations and we are looking forward to the day.”
The Bulawayo group, which will be assisted by Sabela Music Projects and Horizon Magazine to organise the launch of their debut album, also revealed that they will work with Providence Sound and Film to make videos for the album.
Sitotombe regards the maiden album launch as a reward for the group’s hard work.
“We started playing at a number of corporate functions at hotels such as Cresta Churchill and Holiday Inn. The band had the good fortune to learn a lot of skills from popular artistes that we shared the stage with including Dudu Manhenga, Zahara, Willis Watafi and Oliver Mtukudzi.”
The Outfit Band is made up of Sithothombe (bass), Tiyelani Chauke (keyboards), Sam Siwela (guitar), Obey Mudiwa (drums), Julius Phiri and Nonhlanhla Sibanda.