After the successful release of the hit single Vuka and Insimbi X Sun-El Musician in 2019, which earned Njabulo Mthunzi Ndimande a fast-growing following, the up and coming artist better known as Mthunzi has announced the release of his debut album titled Selimathunzi.
READ – What you need to know about Noma Khumalo album price drop!
Selimathunzi, which means sunset in isiZulu, the album is presented in the singer’s native tongue and boasts an experimental sound that fuses various genres.
Mthunzi says that as Africans we must take pride in our heritage and we must present to the world our own style of music.
“Singing in our vernacular does just that. I hope listeners will receive and appreciate my music without limitations,” says Mthunzi.
READ – MGOSI’s #AmazingTwenty19 top 10 South African celebs!
A hybrid of Maskandi, House, Afro-pop, and R&B, Selimathunzi features 16 tracks, which was written by the artist with the support of a number of featured artists: Sun-El Musician, Simmy, Ami Faku, S-Tone, Sino Msolo, and Claudio X Kenza. Nine months in the making, the young singer says the album was inspired by music from around the world.
While Mthunzi describes each song as special, the one closest to his heart is Phondo Olukhulu, a song of appreciation dedicated to the El World Music family – he signed with El World Music in 2017. He believes, however, that Ngibambe La, which boasts an exciting experimental sound, has great potential to be a hit.
READ – Durban DJ Catzico lambasts DJ Maphorisa for being a “crook & a snake”!
Incidentally, Ngibambe La is the first single to be released off Selimathunzi. A mix of Pop and House, the song is an expression of love. “Ngibambe La not only expresses love but also states publicly that my girl is taken. With its slow tempo, it is an easy-listening song with a message that is very relatable,” he explains. “I am very grateful towards the El World Music team,” says Mthunzi, “as they assisted with the song selection and were instrumental in the arrangement of the songs on the album.”
READ – E.tv canned Isipho because they were “fed-up” with Producers!
According to the young singer, his biggest challenges over the course of compiling the album were operating at a faster than usual pace, and the pressure of working among acclaimed musicians.
Mthuzi says that music is his life. He has been perfecting his musical gift from a very tender age, through playing various instruments and performing in his community of Hammarsdale, a small town in KwaZulu-Natal.
“It has been a rollercoaster journey with many challenges, but I have persevered,” he says.
“I was raised by my grandparents who instilled in me the value of showing respect to all, no matter who they are.”
READ – SAMAs introduce new categories & Best Kwaito Album is back!
Selimathunzi is available for download on all participating digital streaming platforms. You can stream/listen to the album [HERE].
TRACK LISTING:
- Elentulo
- Kwaphela U Ink
- Ngibambe la ft. Claudio X Kenza
- Vuka
- Selimathunzi ft. Simmy
- Umlilo ft. S-Tone
- Uyathandeka ft. Ami Faku
- Uhlale ekhona
- Dubai
- Umaqondana
- Insimbi X Sun-El Musician
- Zigi Zigi
- Phondo Olukhulu
- Ngiyajabula
- Yena
- Sayitsheni ft. Sino Msolo
MGOSI.co.za | #MgosiRisingStars
