Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, [email protected]
AFTER enjoying a successful year in 2025 — capped by winning a Bulawayo Arts Award (BAA) for Outstanding Alternative Music — Cowdray Park-bred musician Bhila is setting his sights on dominating again in 2026. He has already opened his musical account for the year with a new single titled Jikela, an introductory track to the projects he plans to release in the coming months.
Jikela, an energetic Afro beat offering, marks a refreshing sound shift for Bhila. The song explores themes of betrayal across different situations — in relationships, family circles, workplaces and other aspects of life.
For the production, Bhila worked closely with Melaya Beats, while Godwin Smalls handled the mixing and mastering, resulting in a finely tuned track.
The musician said the song was inspired by situations he has encountered at various points in his life, noting that trusting people too much can expose one to hurt, as even those considered close may turn their backs unexpectedly.
“Jikela is a true experience, it’s the reality of life. People change. We can all testify that we have witnessed such in different areas of life not only in relationships. I penned this song to make sure that I open people’s minds and eyes that those we trust can betray us at any given time. The song emphasises that we must be aware and be extra careful, especially with the people we call our friends for in most cases, friends only appreciate you when the relationship is beneficial to them. When it’s their time to help they vanish,” said Bhila.
Having featured among performers at Sandra Ndebele’s highly rated “Denim on Pearls” event held on January 24, Bhila seized the moment to perform Jikela live for the first time. He said the crowd received the track with great enthusiasm.
“It was a great appreciation to share the stage with Durban finest’s Dladla Mshunqisi at the Denim on Pearls event, because he is one of the creatives I grew up admiring and to perform alongside him was a dream come true. I utilised the opportunity to perform Jikela and it was really fun because it’s always a great moment to perform to a new audience.
“It gives your music more reach and you also get to see whether are you surely making an impact on the ground or not. It was an overwhelming experience to be part of that event and I am sending a big shout out to Sandra Ndebele for considering me as one of the performers. She is one true leader in the industry, who truly appreciates and gives a chance to young creatives,” said Bhila.
With Jikela setting the tone for his musical year, Bhila said his main focus for 2026 is on delivering high quality music and building a strong movement as he prepares for the Bhila Live in Concert shows, scheduled to take place later this year across Matabeleland.
