While South African artists continue dancing to the 90% local music movement, championed by SABC’s COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng, Mbali Maphumulo celebrates the release of her powerful Afro-pop ballad single – Buya.
Born in Umlazi, Durban, Kwazulu Natal, the multi-talented Maphumulo’s natural singing gift might have been overshadowed by the success of her television career, but the singer-songwriter’s latest record has put her tremendous voice back in the spotlight.
It is not surprising that, since the movement that aims to promote home-grown talent was made official, the former Shell Road to Fame contestant’s track is slowly becoming a darling in various radio stations.
With the quality of production and polished vocal delivery, Buya – lyrically inspired by her cousin Gido Maphumulo’s relationship with her partner – is enjoying getting a mention on social media on daily basis.
This must be humbling to the SAFTA award-winning actress, whose decision to a break from television in favour of music career angered some of her fans – who wanted to watch more of her acting wonders on a small screen.
But you know what they say about perfect timing, “everything has it’s time. Timing is everything. This is my time to fly,” former Hugh Masekela and Suthukazi’s back vocalist shared the excitement with almost 10 000 of her Facebook fans.
Speaking to The Voice of SA about the song, the founder of Mbali Legacy – whose dancing and singing skills could be traced internationally, where she toured with the Lion King and Umoja – said:
“It’s really based on what happened to my cousin a while back. We wrote it together; she is even credited on the single.
“My cousin had a child with her partner and as soon as the child was there the guy kind of lost interest on her and most of all the baby, he did not tell her it’s over, but he was still seen with someone else and folks were saying that lady is the number one lady in his life… In the end the guy came back and she took her back.”
One thing for certain, having Mojalefa Mjojo Thebe and Robbie Malinga’s magical touch, Mbali’s hit single is expected to dominate the charts for several months.
Listen and downlaod Buya here: https://itunes.apple.com/za/album/buya-single/id1145301517
