Mjabulisi has finally released his “1 Minutes Away” album, and after a whole weekend of digesting this mixtape, we have just got out favourite pick. And “Shembe” it is.
The Maskandi music of the early 2000s sounds vastly different from what we hear today. Luckily for us, its old melodic essence has not been allowed to fade into thin air, as young talents like Mjabulisi have not only revived this iconic sound but also refined it in remarkable ways. And how could they not?
What gave Maskandi its widespread appeal and acceptance within the Zulu community was its strong cultural roots and distinctive melodies. Take these away, and what remains is no longer the authentic Maskandi sound but something entirely different.
Delivering a song that truly represents the genre, Mjabulisi has gifted us “Shembe,” a track that marks a remarkable step in his artistic journey while demonstrating his deep understanding of the Maskandi sound and its many musical flavours. If you are wondering what his newly released “1 Minutes Away” album is like, this song gives you a perfect taste.
