South African maskandi singer-songwriter Sminofu gives his new 17-track album its name with the title cut iTekisi, placed second.
Sminofu is Mphile Gumede, a KwaZulu-Natal artist who pairs traditional maskandi guitar patterns with modern studio production. Zee Nxumalo joined him on Sajola Kamnandi, and Nomfundo Moh is another past collaborator. He also linked with Zamambo Mkhize on Choice Yethu. Rush Hour even got an official video.
Benilindele Bani opens the album as an intro, and the title cut follows straight after it. Amalengiso comes third, then Why Umehlulela takes the fourth slot. The first six tracks are all Sminofu alone, since guests only arrive from track 7.
Londeka Shangase takes two spots, Ngithunjiwe and Ngo December. She also guests on Mzukulu’s Kwenzakalani? Ojakalasi joins him on Emabhilidini, which is track 9. Njabulo Langa is on Umalumekazi at track 12.
The album runs 1 hour 3 minutes and came out through Sminofu and EMPIRE. Zanefa Ngidi, who has released maskandi albums since his debut Umona, appears on Njengobaba. Madagascar sits at track 8, right after the first guest spot, while EMachobeni closes the project at track 17. Dive into iTekisi, then tell us in the comments – do you prefer Sminofu solo or with guests?
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