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Mnqolo, who was in the country during the festive season, paid tribute to Bulawayo’s foremost jazz musician, Jeys, for his support during the recording of his latest album.
“Marabini is my mentor. He is the man who supported me right from the start up to this day. He would often come to South Africa just to see me through with my project,” he said.
The Kezi-born Mnqolo, a former member of the group Amaqhawe Esizwe, left the country for South Africa where he pursued his musical career under the group Junior Manhattan gospel ensemble.
He then decided to embark on a solo project, coming up with the idea of spreading peace messages after the xenophobic attacks that rocked the neighbouring country.
“I came up with the title Umakhelwane Wami after the xenophobic attacks that nearly killed me and the track describes the attacks as the worst evil a man can do to his neighbour,” said the 30-year-old artiste.
The album was officially launched in South Africa in early December before it was released on the market in Bulawayo just before Christmas.
“After realising that we as Africans can go that far in hating each other, I thought compiling a musical project denouncing violence and urging Africans to co-exist would work.
“We really need to preach the gospel of peace and unity from different platforms,” said Mnqolo, who composed and produced all the tracks on the album.
On another track called Umuntu omnyama, Mnqolo queries why black people are always at each other’s throats instead of concentrating on important issues of national development.
The track also tackles the issue of the Aids epidemic, which has claimed the lives of many and urges people to be cautious to avoid contracting the deadly disease.
Mnqolo said he was inspired by superstar Oliver Mtukudzi.
“Mtukudzi inspires me a lot. The guy is just original. It is actually most musicians’ ambition to be where he is but it’s not that easy as one has to work extra hard,” he said.
Online Reporter