Bongeziwe Mabandla has been making waves in and around the local music industry for a while not and bagged his first South African Music Award earlier this year for his debut album ‘Mangaliso’ in the Best Alternative Music category. Now, the star has teamed up with The Kiffness’ David Scott for what could possibly be his best track to date.
Super-producer David Scott created the skeleton of the track in February this year when his label, Universal Music, suggested he team up with Bongeziwe who then wrote the lyrics for the track. Sonically, the track is filled with a solid dance beat, African percussions and instrumentals and an enchanting vocal performance from the singer. The track highlights the very best of African dance music and is the powerful track we never knew we needed the stars to come together for.
‘Soloko’ means ‘always’ in Xhosa and became the focal point for the track. “I had been thinking about relationships and how significant connections are in our lives. I think that the people we bring into our lives not only leave a mark with us but unintentionally mould and shape us. That’s how the song came about; just thinking back a few years ago and some of the people that have been in and out of my life and how I still care about them even if I hardly see them. It’s written about the thought of running into someone you used to spend every day with, 5 years later.” says Bongeziwe.
He adds that working with David was a phenomenal experience. “David is the genius that made sure the song was dynamic and everything is in the right place. What is wonderful about working with him is that he is the type of artist/producer who is willing to put in as many hours as it takes to get it right. I get inspired when I’m around people like that and it’s always great when a project can introduce you to a good friend. I love David; he’s just a wonderful guy with a great sense of humour. We spent a lot of time working on this, hoping to work on something else again.”
Naturally, David shares the same sentiment and adds that working with Bongeziwe is a career highlight. “I feel very proud of what Bongeziwe and I have created, it was an honour to work with such a high caliber artist. The song has been a labour of love. I’ve put a lot of thought into the song, not because I felt like I had to but because I felt that the song deserved my full heart, mind and soul,” David tells us. “Even though I didn’t understand the lyrics at first, I cried when I heard the first draft of vocals that he sent to me. He just has one of those voices – it feels like his voice speaks straight into your soul. I just hope the song reaches the right people and that others enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed making it.”
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Great collab great review