Chronicle Editor
Mkhululi Ncube , [email protected]
South Africa-based rhumba band, Abafana BakaMlotshwa has released its sixth studio album, Felethembeni, ahead of the festive season.
The album features songs that touch on a variety of themes including love, culture and general social commentary.
The band, led by Andrew Mlotshwa, is already selling the album via social media with people paying for the album which the group will share later.
The Umaginyimbuzi composer made an effort to balance the album so that it appeals to those who enjoy calm and fast beats.
The album features songs Ngisemoyeni, Zidla Umabhulela, Indoda Yomnikazi, Felethembeni, Sibiziwe Emhlahlandlela, Lingaguli Lifihla and Amakhanka Egangeni.
The hard-hitting beats feature well-known rhumba guitarists who include Xolie Mpofu on bass guitar, Maqukula Sibanda, Njabulo Sambodlela and Bramuza on lead guitar and Rhythms. Mlotshwa was on sub rhythms and drums with Mafios.
Mlotshwa said they decided to market the album on social media among other platforms as a way of adapting to the latest trends.
“The sales are pleasing so far and I hope that I will maintain the trend. What’s clear is that people no longer want CDs as most now prefer consuming music from USBs because there are few radios that still play CDs.
“Rhumba fans have fallen in love with my latest music and from 2017, when I started recording, there’s growth in terms of reception with every album,” said Mlotshwa.
Abafana BakaMlotshwa’s fans have been calling for the band to hit the road and host live shows. The group says it has already lined up a number for December.
“I promise my fans that this year, they’ll see us perform live as we’ve lined up shows in various places. My fans have been complaining that we’ve been starving them as we haven’t played live for them.
“This year, that won’t be the case as they’ll see us as we’ll be promoting the new album,” he said. —@themkhust
Online Reporter