Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
THE heavens are smiling down on Plumtree-based maskandi duo, Aphiwe and Sobancane, who have secured a collaboration with celebrated South African rapper, Fifi Cooper. Widely known as the First Lady of Motswako, Fifi Cooper is set to feature on the remix of the duo’s powerful track Ukufa — a song she admitted left her “blown away” the moment she heard it.
The trio recently completed work on the track at Fifi Cooper’s home studio in South Africa, with recording sessions wrapping up last week. The remix will be included on Aphiwe and Sobancane’s forthcoming third studio album, Funda Ukwamukela, which is expected to be released between mid and late September.
The duo, who hail from the rural Zimnyama Village in Plumtree, are spending the entire month of August in South Africa recording the project. Produced by Sabelo, the album will feature tracks such as the title track Funda Ukwamukela, Ngo December, Uyabaleka, Ngiyakuthanda, Kweminye Imizi, Kwabanemali, Izidakamizwa and Uthando Lweqiniso.
Speaking shortly after the studio session, Fifi Cooper could not contain her excitement about working with the Zimbabwean pair.
“We’ve just finished in the studio and I can confirm there’s a song we’ve been working on that will drop soon. I feel blessed to be featured on the track — it’s such a beautiful song. We’re blending maskandi with a touch of hip-hop, and the fusion is stunning. I’ll also be coming to Zimbabwe to shoot the video, and I’m super excited,” said Fifi Cooper.
Sobancane, who is Aphiwe’s uncle, praised both the collaboration and his nephew’s artistry, while expressing gratitude to Fifi Cooper for her warm reception.
“I’m so happy with the work we did in the studio. Honestly, I’m at a loss for words — it’s beautiful. We thank our sister Fifi Cooper for working so well with us and welcoming us so warmly. My boy Aphiwe, really made me proud,” he said.
For Aphiwe, the experience was nothing short of a dream come true.
“I’m so happy to work with Fifi Cooper. This is something I’ve been longing for, and to see it happen is a dream fulfilled,” he said.
The duo’s Zimbabwe-based manager, Handy, described the collaboration as a career-defining breakthrough, opening new avenues for the group beyond Zimbabwe’s borders.
“This collaboration is a win for Aphiwe and Sobancane. It’s going to help them break into the South African maskandi market. Fifi Cooper loved Ukufa and asked if we could rework it. The track was recorded last week in South Africa, while the duo was already there working on their third album. The remix will be the first single from the album, followed by a music video that will be shot by Afri Art Studios in Bulawayo around early October,” said Handy.
Echoing the excitement, Handy’s South African counterpart, Joyful Ncube, hinted at a festive season anthem in the making.
“People should expect a fresh sound — something they haven’t heard before in the maskandi genre. What we’ve created is completely different and far more beautiful than anything out there. The song deals with death, but instead of focusing on mourning and sorrow, it celebrates life itself,” said Ncube. — @mthabisi_mthire
