Online Reporter
Mkhululi Ncube
Rhumba man of the moment, Mxolisi “Mr Bones” Ndlovu, is today launching his 11th studio album in South Africa, and one big question looms: Will it produce another hit like Bangihlangabeze nge Case a.k.a. Faka Two phezu Kwembodlela, from his 2024 chart-topping album?
It may seem like a tall order for the Plumtree-born maestro, but Mr Bones has repeatedly proven that he is no stranger to musical success. Last year, he dominated the rhumba airwaves with uGobela uSagqiza, powered by the infectious hit Faka Two, which quickly became an anthem.
Based on the two promotional tracks and visuals released earlier this week, it seems Mr Bones could once again be striking gold.
The new album, titled Giya Mkolekelwa, features six tracks, Awasekho Amageja, Lizongibonga ngo January, Kumele Ihlale Iginyile, Bambani Intombi Zenu, and a TjiKalanga track titled Ganyu Gugutu.
With the festive season just around the corner, Mr Bones is aiming to take an early and unassailable lead in the race for the most played rhumba tune of the holidays.
“It’s difficult for me to say now if the new album will surpass Faka Two, because that really depends on how well the fans connect with it. But we did our very best. We had all the time we needed to rehearse, this album is very powerful.”
The Johannesburg launch is not just about Mr Bones. The event will also spotlight several up-and-coming artistes.
From South Africa, Mr Bones will take the album to Zimbabwe, launching it in Bulawayo on October 25, before heading back to SA for a Cape Town show on November 10. He will then cross into Botswana for a launch in Gaborone on November 25.
After winning Rhumba Song of the Year last year, all eyes, and ears, are once again on Mr Bones. Meanwhile, fellow rhumba artistes who are yet to drop new albums will be watching closely, perhaps nervously, as Giya Mkolekelwa sets the tone for the end of year musical showdown. – @themkhust
