Bling Bling does it his way

MUSICIAN and creative artist, ‘Bling Bling Smangaliso Gumede’ is a local talent with a different approach to the musical scene.

He lives in Denny Dalton between Ulundi and Vryheid.

His homemade one string percussion instrument, made from a five-litre oil can, produces a variety of sounds when played by Gumede.

His most recent achievement has been in the form of home made flutes, created made from plastic pipes.

He has a collection of instruments and plays the ‘umatshogwana’, ‘umakhweyane’, ‘isitorotoro’, ‘umatshingo’, ‘igehle’ and ‘tambour reni’.

In a recent Department of Arts and Culture competition held at Cecil Emmett, he came second, but according to Gumede, there was no follow up.

The musician may be talented, but he is also frustrated with his situation.

He feels that he has no opportunities to demonstrate his talent of creating and playing his unique instruments.

Occasionally he plays in the streets of Vryheid, but this does not bring in enough income.

Gumede hopes to bring his music to more people.

‘I want to showcase my God given talent,’ he said.

For more information, contact Gumede on 071 7489837