South African singer-songwriter Danya Devs turns a marriage promise into Abakhongi, track 13 on his solo album Bayede.
Abakhongi are traditional marriage negotiators, and the narrator promises to send some. He names Ndu and Sjava for the job, a playful nod to real names in Zulu culture. A line about his love looking like a doll, with Barbie jealous, adds more humour. Ndu Browns and Sjava also appear on Uber Eats, track 4 on the same album.
Credits name Danya Devs as writer and list him with KingLee Beats as composers. It runs 2:40, so it moves quickly. Skorokoro just before it brings Empro and Mawelele, while this one is Danya alone. He sings in Zulu throughout.
Bayede is Zulu for hail or all rise, a salute that fits a man announcing his own path. The album carries 18 Afro-pop songs across about 52 minutes. Cassper Nyovest is on Stayela. Danya Devs also came out of Blaq Diamond, so this is a solo statement.
Tshilo Tshilo comes next at 2:53, then Pitoli with Kwesta runs 3:51. Skhathe Side closes the album at 3:21. Turn up Abakhongi and tell us in the comments – which negotiators would you send for your own wedding?
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