Sjava and Big Zulu, collectively Inkabi Zezwe, have released their debut single as a duo titled ‘Umbayimbayi’ which serves as the lead single to their one-time joint project Ukhamba.
Produced by Inkabi Records artist and producer Xowla Shabalala, also known as Stallion, “Umbayimbayi” is an Afropop ballad mixed in with Maskandi elements.
The single is the duo’s first take at championing a cultural moment in South African contemporary music. As a precursor to the album, ‘Umbayimbayi’ is a celebration of love and union, which are often at the basis of the artists’ music as individual acts and only made sense as they joined hands on Ukhamba. In the chorus they sing; ‘Sengizok’ thengel’ umbayimbayi we dali / udubul’ intaba zangakini / uzong’ bona njalo’. As the IsiZulu term for a canon, Inkabi Zezwe use the image of Umbayimbayi to describe the depth and breadth of an enduring love that triumphs over any obstacle in its path – even the highest mountain.
Inkabi Zezwe ‘s union is rooted in brotherhood and honouring their IsiZulu culture. Their music, although fresh and forward-looking, is filled with references and remnants of their culture. On 17th March the duo held a press conference in which they revealed their album Ukhamba will be released on 12th May.
Listen to ‘Umbayimbayi’ below and read more music news here.