Chronicle Editor
Mbulelo Mpofu in Johannesburg, South Africa
IN March, multi-award-winning South Africa-based producer LA Beatz (born Lazarus Mpofu) released his debut 21-track album titled Umphetho Wengubo. Now, he is working on visuals for Makukhanye, one of the strongholds in the album.
One of the most popular stories in the Bible is that of the woman who had been suffering from haemorrhage for 12 years and was miraculously healed after she touched the hem of Jesus Christ’s garment. Umphetho Wengubo mirrors that story and is therapeutic in nature, being a cocktail of love, and religious songs.
Known for producing Big Zulu’s hit song, Mali Eningi, which features the late Ricky Rick and Intaba YaseDubai, LA Beatz’s repertoire has gained serious momentum and his debut collective offering is a statement of intent from the Old Lobengula-bred producer and singer.
The album, a product of LA Beatz recording label, AN Entertainments features a stellar cohort of South African talent including Mduduzi Ncube, Azana, MusiholiQ, Siya Ntuli, Just Bheki, Xowla, Mzukulu, and Mzuluphaqa.
It contains tracks, Memeza featuring Azania and Musiholiq; Kumnyama Kuhlwile featuring Zukiswa Mampintsha and Mduduzi Ncube; Mngane featuring Marleygirl; Amafu featuring Sundokuhle Ngidi; Ses’shambile featuring Sweetguy; Mntas’ekhaya featuring Bon, TP and K-Zaka; Bekezela featuring Azana, Taffy Da Don and Loki; Majika Nelanga featuring Vernotile, Xolaa and August Child; and Dar’luzobuya nini?
LA Beatz told Chronicle Showbiz that visuals for Makukhanye are ready and will be released soon.
“We (Vocal_03 and I) have shot and edited footage for the song and we’ll be dropping the visuals soon. This will be the first of many visuals to be released from the album. We’re working tirelessly to push the visual side of the project through performances that we’re working towards taking beyond our borders.
“Soon, we’ll be launching the album in Zimbabwe where we’re targeting Bulawayo, Gwanda, and Victoria Falls. We can’t confirm dates now as we’re still sorting out some issues,” he said.
In a previous interview, LA Beatz said with the album, he wants to soothe the hearts of those who are broken.
“The album and its title, Umphetho Wengubo was inspired by the broken woman who was looking for healing. She said ‘If I can touch the hem of his garment, I will be healed’ as said in the book of Luke in the Bible. So, Umphetho Wengubo is a movement that will inspire, promote and motivate youths in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Africa at large and the world,” said LA Beatz.
LA Beatz has come of age and is showing no signs of stopping. – @MbuleloMpofu
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