Zinja Ziyamlum, Shwi joins forces

Langalakhe Mabena

HE is now rolling with big guns! South Africa-based-Zimbabwean Maskandi musician Zinja Ziyamluma has proven to be a big thing in that genre, one who has “fully matured” as he has collaborated with Mzansi’s King of Maskandi Shwi on a track titled Vela Bakubone.

Shwi is part of the famous duo of Shwi NoMtekhala, a group which rose to fame in 2004 courtesy of their over-triple-platinum-selling album titled Wangisiza Baba.

Vela Bakubone which loosely translates to Appear So They Can See You, is a love song written in the voice of a guy who has been a laughingstock in the community which dismisses him as a bachelor, while in fact he is in a secret relationship with a lover of his life.

On the song Zinja Ziyamluma also worked with seasoned Maskandi producers Mlabalaba Khumalo as well as Thuthani Ndlovu, who all hail from KwaZulu Natal. Production was done at Takk Music Studio which is owned by Jan Smith.

From his base in Johannesburg, South Africa, Zinja Ziyamluma said the song will be part of his upcoming six-track album which will be released on 3 December.

“I worked on a song with the great Shwi titled Vela Bakubone which is a love song. It will be part of my yet to be titled six-track album which is set to be released on 3 December. The song will also be accompanied by a video.

“I have been around the Maskandi game for a while and in Zimbabwe I am the pioneer and now they are new guys who have also followed the route. I believe I have grown and therefore I now have to play with big boys hence my collaboration with Shwi.

“Shwi is a legend who inspired me to do this music thing. He is a living genius who is still leading by example on the forefront and it’s a blessing for me to work with him and honour his contribution in music while he is still alive.

“I promise my fans that they will fall in love with the song because Shwi himself satisfied it as a hit for December and beyond,” said Zinja Ziyamluma.

He said he leant a lot about music as part of the process of working with Shwi and he will forever cherish the teachings from the great, as he will also pass the knowledge to others who look up to him.

Zinja Ziyamluma fans have to constantly check on his social media pages for other developments, as he said he will soon be releasing the updates on the cost of the album which will be sold through a flash.

A CD promo is on the cards.