The Sunday News
Ngqwele Dube, Sunday Life Correspondent
WHILE the Covid-19 pandemic has put paid to many musicians’ projects, maskandi singer, Mhlambi weZinja has taken the time to release his second album.
Mhlambi weZinja, birth name Hloniphani Ndlovu from Umzingwane in Matabeleland South, said he started recording the songs just before the lockdown was implemented. He revealed that although he had intended waiting until the lockdown regulations were completely over, he felt it was time to release the album.
“I had set my initial release date as April but pushed it further hoping the lockdown will end soon but I realised there was nothing hindering me from putting it out to the public rather than leave it gathering dust.
“We released a song on the Covid-19 pandemic with other maskandi artistes as part of efforts to fight the pandemic and I realised there is a huge space for new works,” said Mhlambi.
He said music has become the companion of many as people stay at home to avoid contracting and spreading the disease. The 10-track album is titled Umfan’ Uzokhathala was recorded at Elephant Herd Studios in Nkulumane.
Other songs in the album include, Isiphambano, Uhloniphe ’mendweni, Mama wami, Gogo nomkhulu, Ladumizulu, Lawe yenz’okwakho, Akulaleki ma ulemali, Asithathi amachance which features Bhamuza, Haqaza, Gaze’ elimnyama and Maqhuzu. Izintombi zakithi completes the album.
The album retains the trademark maskandi rhythm that are laced with social commentary lyrics that range from religion, parenting, love while also extolling the maskandi music. Mama wami chronicles a mother’s plea for forgiveness to his children on the difficult upbringing they faced while in Akulaleki ma ulemali, a wife cries out to her husband to stop reckless spending when he gets paid. Mhlambi said he believes the album’s mastering makes it a notch higher than his first album, Ontaba kayi khonjwa.
“Income is hard to come by for us musicians during the lockdown. We are used to entertaining people but we now have to engage fans through online platforms. Without sponsorship it is difficult to monetise online work,” he said.
