Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena Sunday Life Reporter
CONTEMPORARY musician Charles Mahlaba is set to unveil his third album, Life (Impilo), on August 1 at the Alliance Française de Bulawayo.
The 11-track album, recorded at Loud Records Studio and produced by Erastus Nleya, explores themes of love, family, culture, faith, identity and resilience, encouraging audiences to embrace every chapter of life’s journey.
Bringing the project to life is a talented ensemble of musicians comprising Erastus Nleya on drums, Prince Nleya on bass guitar, Sam Siwela on lead guitar and Reneoile Mwuririma on keyboards. Brilliant Sithole and Vuyelwa
Khumalo provide backing vocals, while veteran guitarist Trust Samende makes a special guest appearance on one of the tracks.
Mahlaba said assembling the team was a deliberate decision, crediting each musician for helping transform his vision into a rich and authentic musical offering.
Adding to the excitement, the album launch will feature performances by Bhila, Butholezwe Ntini and Umfanomsotho, creating a showcase of Bulawayo’s diverse musical talent.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Mahlaba described Life (Impilo) as his most intimate and honest body of work yet.
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@Life (Impilo) is the story of my life, but it is also the story of all of us. We all experience joy, pain, success and disappointment. Every season teaches us something and this album encourages people to embrace and appreciate every moment,” he said.
Although each track tells a unique story, Mahlaba said the album is bound together by a central message of remaining connected to family, culture and community.
“This album reminds us to honour our roots, value our elders and appreciate the people around us. It also speaks about choosing genuine relationships over material things because money should never replace humanity,” he said.
Beyond celebrating life’s highs, the album also reflects on grief, hope and perseverance. Mahlaba said he hopes the songs will inspire listeners to confront life’s challenges with faith, courage and determination.
Mahlaba is the artistic director of acclaimed music and dance theatre ensemble Sunduza. A composer, songwriter, director and vocal coach, he has developed a distinctive sound that blends Afro-jazz, Afro-pop, Imbube and traditional folk music.
Inspired by his late father, Imbube pioneer Simon Banda, as well as Jabu Khanyile, Bongiwe Mabandla and Don Gumbo, Mahlaba rose to prominence in 2013 after inheriting the stage name “Mahlaba” from his father.
His work has earned him widespread recognition, including two Zimbabwe Music Awards (Zima) nominations – Best Traditional Folk/Ezomdabuko in 2020 and Best Jazz in 2021, the latter earning him his first Zima. He has also received a Bulawayo Arts Awards nomination for Best Alternative Music.
