MASKANDI musician, Vusa Mkhaya has given his fans an early Christmas present with the release of his third album, Manyanyatha, a fusion of rich African sounds with powerful vocals, traditional drums and acoustic guitars.
BY SINDISO DUBE
The album captures sounds almost similar to those by Johnny Clegg and Savuka, Youssor N’dour and Salif Keita.
Mkhaya takes listeners on a tour of his life, from the heartland of Ntabazinduna (The mountain of Kings) near Bulawayo through his music, which is infused with traditional Ndebele sounds, folk storytelling, Afro-jazz and contemporary soft rock influences.
“The album narrates my life story as a young boy under the watchful eye of my grandmother. Most Zimbabweans and Africans can relate to the role of the extended family and having powerful matriarchs run the family. Even though my grandmother was illiterate, her wisdom was unquestionable and vast, and helped shape my life and the man I am today,” he said.
The title track Manyanyatha can be said to be a prophetic nickname given to Mkhaya by his uncle, Roger Mabhena, who spotted the musical talent of the then toddler.
The narrative is taken up in Lizobuya (The Return), which reflects people’s hopes for land and freedom, while Lalela is about paying attention and heeding advice.
Mkhaya has embarked on social media promotion called the uManyanyatha Challenge, where he is challenging people to record a short video clip singing or dancing to the track uManyanyatha. Many celebrities, including Otis Ngwabi, Willis Wataffi, Nkwali and Impumelelo shining Stars, have since taken part in the challenge.
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The album is available on music distribution site, iTunes and will be available in Zimbabwe in hard copy in January.
The eight-track album, which was co-produced by Mkhaya and Austrian Producer, Roman Schwendt, features Dudu Sibanda and Heather Dube of Nobuntu on background vocals on five songs and Future Sibanda on one song.
The album followed the release of The Spirit of Ubuntu and Vocalism. With over 20 years in music, Mkhaya has toured the world with the a cappella trio, Insingizi, and has won numerous international awards.
