Chronicle Editor
Mkhululi Ncube, Showbiz Reporter
TOO HOT!!! This is the best way to describe the latest Amathonga Amahle frontman Mcebisi Mlilo’s new album Zasal’Emandulo that will most likely compete for airplay during the festive season celebrations.
The fifth album by the Kezi-born musician has already sold over 700 copies since its release two weeks ago in Beira Park, South Africa.
Mlilo is gifted with a unique voice which has helped distinguish his rhumba beat from the many rhumba bands, something that speaks volumes about his future in the genre.
A magical voice alone is not helpful without guitarists complementing it and the Ulikholwa Elinjani hit-maker worked with skilful players while the mastering and engineering of the album smoothed off to produce a perfect product.
“The guys playing for me are talented, but I believe my beat comes from my compositions and that’s where the unique sound comes from. I don’t play the guitar, but when I compose my music, I also compose the beat which I then pass on to my guitarists.
“My fans love that uniqueness and they support my music. So far, I’ve already sold over 700 copies in a week and I’m very proud about that,” he said.
Mlilo said being unique in the flooded rhumba genre is what has helped his music grow and vowed to maintain that.
“I know I’m on the right tune musically. My fourth album Ukwenda Kwendoda put me on the map especially the hit Ulikholwa Elinjani which came after my battle with cancer,” he said.
As the taste of the pudding is in the eating, those with a rhumba taste need to lay their ears on the album to have a feel of it as it is not easy to single out the ingredients that make this a masterwork.
The album opens with the track Angisazi Ngenzeni, a cry by the girl child who is left stranded after being impregnated by a guy who later refuses to take responsibility. The title track Zasal’Emandulo calls for end to the cultural practice of parents choosing partners for their daughters while eyeing riches which ends up ruining their future.
A potential runaway hit in the album, First lover is a celebration of love. The bass guitar in the song is on another level.
Impisi Emnyama brings to the fore, the rich who use evil means like killing people for body parts and educates the young to work hard and shun fast money.
Ulikholw’Elinjani cautions people to stop seeking God only when in trouble while the song Border Post urges people to use official crossing points when leaving the country to prevent many challenges associated with illegal border jumping. – @themkhust
Online Reporter