Online Reporter
Langalakhe Mabena, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
SOUTH Africa-based, multi-award-winning Maskandi musician Zinja Ziyamluma, is set to make a long-awaited return to his roots in Bulawayo — the city where his musical journey began — as he launches his 13th album, Ngiyavuma Alingazi, at the Zimbabwe National Arts Gallery in Bulawayo on September 12.
The 10-track album is a carefully curated body of work featuring compositions such as Asambeni Emhlahlandlela, Kudlaliwe Ngawe, Sudlala Kabi and Kwehl’umoya.
The project includes a collaboration with South Africa’s Maskandi sensation Thandeka Radebe, renowned for her hit, Wozani. Their joint track, Lehlula Izitha, is already tipped to become a fan favourite and potentially one of the standout hits of the album.
In an interview, Zinja Ziyamluma highlighted Asambeni Emhlahlandlela as his most cherished track on the album. He described it as an ode to the annual King Mzilikazi Day, which commemorates the passing of the revered Ndebele monarch in 1868. Through the song, he encourages Zimbabweans to honour and preserve their cultural heritage.
He said this album surpasses all his previous efforts in terms of production quality and creative depth.
“I’m happy to be bringing this project home. I believe it’s the best full-length project I’ve done in my life because I gave myself so much time to fully focus on it in terms of writing and production. This project is a milestone as it’s my 13th album, hence, a reflection of me standing my ground in the game and marking my territory,” he said.
The launch event promises to be a star-studded affair, with Zinja Ziyamluma joined on stage by some of his closest collaborators, including renowned Imbube ensemble Indosakusa The Morning Star, energetic Tshibilika musician Godolude, traditional act Utsheketsha Ogezayo and Maskandi crooner, Mr Ungayithi Vuu.
According to the Uphoko Lwakasilima hit-maker, the line-up was deliberately selected from artistes with whom he shares both personal and professional ties.
“I’m very close with the creatives I chose to back me up for the launch. I’ve done different works with some of them on my previous projects, and to retain them for the launch is a matter of trusting their capabilities and what they can offer in line with the idea and vision of this event.
“I wish I could have booked more acts, but the launch will be intimate, so it didn’t make sense to add more performers to the list. Those who are not on the line-up must not feel otherwise — their time is coming,” said Zinja Ziyamluma.
The artiste further encouraged his fans and supporters to attend in large numbers, emphasising that the show has been crafted with them in mind.
Over the years, Zinja Ziyamluma has firmly established himself among the leading Maskandi artistes in Southern Africa. His growing reputation has seen him perform at numerous high-profile festivals, including the Ubuhle Be Africa Pan-African Festival, held at the KwaKhangelankengane Royal Palace in Nongoma, northern KwaZulu-Natal, in July this year.
His career has also seen him share the stage with some of the biggest names in Maskandi music, including his long-time inspiration Shwi Mantombazana, as well as Thokozani Langa, Khuzani, Mthandeni, Limit Nana, Mzukulu, Mjolisi and fast-rising talent, Njabulo Langa of Ngishile Nje fame.
