So, let’s talk about Mafikizolo, the real OGs of South African Afro-pop, stepping into the scene back in ’96. Picture this duo – we got the beat wizard Theo Kgosinkwe and the soulful voice of the crew, Nhlanhla Nciza. They’ve been dropping fire tracks since forever!
Mafikizolo first hit the big time with bangers like “Ndihamba Nawe kuphela”, “Kwela Kwela”, “Sibongile”, and “Udakwa Njalo”. Man, those beats were the real deal. The duo dropped their self-titled album, ‘Mafikizolo’, in ’97 and then came ‘Music Revolution’ in ’99. These cats were setting the streets on fire!
Now, let’s catch up to the present. Amapiano is blazing the charts, but Mafikizolo ain’t sweating it. Theo Kgosinkwe speaks the truth, saying they’ve been in the game for 22 years, and they’ve seen trends come and go. It’s all about growth and the new generation.
Speaking to Music In Africa, they revealed their perspective on the ever-evolving musical landscape. Amapiano might be the new sensation, but Mafikizolo isn’t phased. Theo Kgosinkwe shared, “We have been in the industry for 22 years, but it’s good for the industry because it shows growth and a new generation that is coming in.”
Nhlanhla Nciza, reflecting on the evolution of music genres, emphasized the importance of staying true to their authentic sound. “We have remained true to ourselves and our songs, and that could be the reason people continue to love our music. Can you imagine a situation where we start singing hip hop simply because hip hop is popular? Let the hip hop guys have their fans, and the same applies to amapiano,” she stated.
They are open to collaborations, embracing experimentation while preserving their signature vibe. Nhlanhla added, “We are open for collaborations and Mafikizolo is one band that loves experimenting. If an artist comes with something that is doable for Mafikizolo, something that does not take away our authentic sound, then we can go into the studio together.”
In a world that’s ever-changing, Mafikizolo stands as a beacon of authenticity, promising to keep serenading the hearts of their loyal fans while embracing the winds of change blowing through the musical landscape.
Main Image: IOL
