Otis Ngwabi bounces back with EP

Langalakhe Mabena, Sunday Life Reporter

AFTER a roller-coaster journey marked by highs and lows in his music career, Afro-Pop artiste Otis Ngwabi has made a determined return to the entertainment scene with renewed focus, releasing a new EP titled Amalobolo, a body of work that signals a refreshed creative direction.

The five-track EP features songs such as Amalobolo, Enhlizweni Yami, Amandla, Themba Kuwe featuring Cammelita and Vele Umuntu Unjalo.

The project is anchored on themes of love, relationships and restoring hope in a modern society where emotional bonds are increasingly strained.

Ngwabi, who has been balancing personal business ventures with music, said his break from the spotlight was challenging but ultimately valuable in reshaping his artistry and focus.

“I’ve been active working on my personal business and music as well. It has been a roller-coaster ride going up and down but I’m stable now, ready and active in the entertainment business,” he said.

“I have dropped an EP whose main focus is love, both the positive and the negative. There is a lot of negativity in marriages and relationships today. It’s no longer the same as before. With this project, I’m trying to restore hope and remind people that there’s still a chance to fix our relationships and love one another,” said Ngwabi.

The yesteryear star said the standout track on the EP is Amalobolo, inspired by a real-life story of a friend who went through a painful breakup, lost hope in love and later met someone new at a marketplace.

Ngwabi said that encounter eventually rekindled his friend’s belief in relationships, leading to marriage.

Beyond the EP, Ngwabi has also been working on new singles, including a collaboration with Nkayi-based folkloric musician Cleopas Sikhosana, as well as Cammelita. The project focuses on promoting positive relationships in communities and workplaces, while also exploring how cooperation can be undermined by selfish interests.

Ngwabi said working with Sikhosana was a memorable creative experience.

“Working with uBaba uSikhosana was a very humble yet fun experience because he is a creative who knows what he is doing and is also full of jokes. We were laughing throughout the recording session. The single was dropped on May 28, I am sure our followers will enjoy it,” said Ngwabi.

The musician also revealed that plans are underway for a homecoming show in Bulawayo, being developed in collaboration with his record label FAC Production, with details set to be announced in due course.

As part of rebuilding his music career, Ngwabi previously collaborated with several South African artistes during what he describes as an educational and inspiring phase, working with names such as Zuluboy, DJ Darque and DJ Touch the Mâlac.