Johannesburg, South Africa – Thursday, 4 November 2021 – Mafikizolo celebrates 25 years in music with the release of new single, Mamezala.
Formed in 1996, Mafikizolo has stood the test of time by marking 25 years since their first release. The duo which is considered the most reinventive duo in South Africa have transitioned from an afro-pop group to one of the most recognized and respected African duos currently. And there’s nothing they have not won from SAMAs to AFRIMMA.
Following their last release being in 2020 with the release of Thandolwethu. The duo used the first half of the year to collaborate. First was the Nigeria meets South Africa collaboration on the Tekno remix of Enjoy. They followed that after with the South African new-age classic, Hamba Naye, with Cici. Now as the duo readies their 25th anniversary album as the BET Awards nominees have announced. They release their first lead single of the year with Mamezala, featuring Simmy.
The mid-tempo progressive tune straddles between the familiar sound the duo is known for, while infusing afro-house elements with the lo-fi recurring motif. The MTV Africa winners manage to strike the thin line between being referential of the sound that they are known for, while firmly asserting the context that the Mamazela is in.
About Mamezala:
Veteran superstar Afropop duo Mafikizolo is back doing what they do best. Well-known for their wedding favourites – songs such as Ndihamba Nawe and Masthokoze – the pair teams up with relative newcomers to the industry Simmy and producer Sun-El Musician on Mamezala.
Mamezala which means mother-in-law in Zulu is a mid-tempo track celebrating the formalisation of a union through a wedding, and urging the future mother-in-law to come outside, welcome the guests, and celebrate with ululations the incoming son/daughter-in-law.
Producer Sun-El Musician brings his laidback mid-tempo brand of dance-electronica to the song, while singer and songwriter Simmy’s breathy, understated vocals are a perfect addition to those of Mafikizolo’s lead singer Nhlanhla Nciza and Theo Kgosinkwe.
