Maskandi artist INhlenge Zekezi nearly hits twelve minutes on “Lingiqonde ngqo!,” the fifth track on “IYOLENDA NOM ALISHONA.”
At 11 minutes and 40 seconds, the song runs longer than every other track on the album with a listed time. That length gives it a slow, patient build, and it fits the Maskandi habit of letting stories unfold across the guitar lines. The exclamation mark in the title also gives it a direct, spoken tone, as if someone is making a point out loud.
It sits near the close of the seven-song project. “Ngaphansi kwetafula” comes just before it, and “My darling” and “Sengihleli ngeDiff” follow. The first four songs set the mood, and this one starts the final stretch. Early write-ups describe it as a focused statement, which suits a record that does not rush.
The album as a whole lasts one hour and 16 minutes, and it uses that space for traditional influences, personal stories, and community themes. INhlenge Zekezi keeps the playlist small, so each song has to carry real weight. Because of that, this track works less as a single and more as a chapter.
Fans of long-form Zulu storytelling will find plenty to hold on to. Younger listeners will also find a calm, unhurried way to meet the genre.
Carve out twelve minutes for “Lingiqonde ngqo!” and tell us – does a long song feel better or worse to you?
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