The Sunday News
Peter Matika, Senior Life Reporter
UNITED Kingdom-based Zimbabwean Maskandi singer Vusa Mkhaya is at the top of his game as he has released yet another astounding album.
Maskandi music lovers who enjoy the African sound, coupled powerful vocals, traditional drums, and acoustic guitars will be pleasantly delighted to listen to Mkhaya’s latest offering, as he takes on his life’s journey from the heartlands of Ntabazinduna on the outskirts of Bulawayo.
Infused with traditional Ndebele sounds, folk storytelling, Afro jazz and contemporary soft rock influences, Manyanyatha is an album that captures musical notes comparable to those of Johnny Clegg and Savuka, Youssor N’dour and Salif Keita.
Manyanyatha is Mkhaya’s third offering, after having released The Spirit of Ubuntu and Vocalism.
With over 20 years in the music industry, having toured the world extensively with renowned acapella group Insingizi and won numerous international music awards, this particular album will likely see him landing a couple of more accolades.
The album narrates his life story as a young boy under the watchful eye of his grandmother.
“Most Zimbabweans and Africans can relate to the role of the extended family and having powerful matriarchs run the family.
Even though my grandmother was illiterate, her wisdom was unquestionable, vast and helped shape my life. It helped me become the man I am today,” Mkhaya said.
The title track Manyanyatha can be said to be a prophetic nickname given to Mkhaya by his uncle Roger Mabhena, who spotted the musical talent of the then toddler, who would become a renowned and well-travelled musician.
“With any country that has its people striving for various freedoms, be they financial, social or political, Lizobuya meaning the return, is a song that continues my story. It narrates the hopes of one day having the land and freedom returned to the people,” said Mkhaya.
Another track Lalela which means listen, is a song about paying attention and heeding advice, a core value that Mkhaya respects.
“Life has many cycles and is ever revolving with various mixed emotions. At times we experience pain and sadness. Siyeza is a melancholic song rigged with deep emotion of loss. Written after the death of my beloved mother, the song narrates and consoles me and anyone through this song, as I am able to speak to my mother, asking her to advise the ancestors and those that are departed, to help prepare a place for me, as one day I will join her and them.
‘This is a song that anyone who has lost a loved one can relate to as you yearn for them and have the hope of joining them one day. However, there is hope and a glimmer of sunshine as one listens to Uthando, which is a song about the power of love.
How it helps even the meekest person get the strength to openly declare their love after finding that special someone,” said Mkhaya detailing how he managed to come up with the tracks on his latest album.
Other tracks to look forward to on the eight-track album include:
Bayakhala a song written by Sello Chicco Twala and adapted by Mkhaya to suit the realities most families face.
“We all know of a friend or relative who got desperate and ended up committing a crime due to lack of jobs and poverty.
Therefore family members cry out, weeping over their incarceration,” he said.
Naisiyai is a love song dedicated to that special someone in one’s life. Mkhaya narrates the next leg of his life’s journey talking about his decision to leave home and his beloved Zimbabwe to seek greener pastures.
“The song Abalalanga tells the plight of the migrant, of the sleepless nights and tough journey and how this is a universal issue.
“Zhiya is a traditional Ndebele song sung by warriors as they prepare to leave home for battle. In this instance it is Mkhaya’s battle cry announcing to his father that he is leaving home and is ready to face the world. Through his personal life stories, Manyanyatha is an album that appeals to all generations young and old,” said Mkhaya.
@peterkmatika
