Mafikizolo captured the hearts of Africa
Mafikizolo is comprised of Theo Kgosinkwe and Nhlanhla Nciza. The group originally consisted of three members: Theo Kgosinkwe, Tebogo Madingoane, and Nhlanhla Nciza. Sadly on Feb.14, 2004 one of the male singers, Tebogo Madingoane was shot and killed.
The group first emerged in 1997 with the release of their debut album entitled Mafikizolo. Since their first release in 1997, Mafikizolo has released eight other albums and have amassed numerous accolades. The group has received nominations from BET as well as EMA. Mafikizolo has won awards from platforms such as MTV Africa, SAMA & AFRIMMA. The group is known for their fusion of genres ranging from AfroPop, Kwaito, House, and Afro-Soul. Mafikizolo has worked with the likes of Davido, May D, Yemi Alade, and Uhuru.
Mafikizolo has tackled numerous issues and topics within their music, issues like women’s rights, child abuse, poverty, education, and safe sexual health. With the ability to address such relatable and prevalent social issues, Mafikizolo has accumulated a huge following and fan base within South Africa and overseas. The group has enjoyed a successful music career spanning over two decades.
This week on Blast From the Past, we explore the music created by this dynamic duo and their contributions to this distinctive sound hailing from Johannesburg.
This week the category is “Kwaito Vibes.”
Ndihamba Nawe
Released in 2007, Ndihamba Nawe is an Afro Pop song which was inspired by Sophie Mgcina’s “Mmangwane.” Ndihamba Nawe translates to I’m going with you and/or I choose you.
Looto
Looto features all three original members of Mafikizolo. On Feb.14, 2004 one of the male singers, Tebogo Madingoane was shot and killed. Lotto is a classic representation of what Kwaito music is all about. Lotto captures all the excitement around winning the lottery.
Majika
Similar to the sounds of Brenda Frassie and Ringo, in 1999 Mafikizolo released Majika. The video details elements of the traditional marriage within the Zulu culture as well as attire.
Tchelete
Davido features Mafikizolo on this unique blend of afrobeat and kwaito. Produced by, Maphorisa, Oskido and Shizzi, Davido and Mafikizolo take listeners on a rhythmic journey featuring a blend of sounds and languages. The song features the following languages: Yoruba, English, Nigerian Pidgin, Isizulu, and isixhosa.
Colors of Africa
Colors of Africa features Diamond Platnumz and Dj Maphorisa. Colours of Africa is a song that discusses the need for unity within the continent of Africa. The song promotes a strong message of pan Africanism.
Khona
Mafikizolo features Uhuru on this smash hit. This upbeat and danceable tune took the continent of Africa by storm and sparked a wave of dances. Khona is the lead single of Reunited. Reunited served as the group’s eighth studio album.
Love Portion
Love Portion is a love song that will leave you infatuated about love. The duo delivers a catchy and rhythmic ballad about falling in love.
Happiness
Happiness speaks to the infectious nature of being truly happy. Happiness is a fusion of Kwaito and afrobeat. The duo features May D on this infectious track about happiness.
Kucheza
Kucheza is an afropop track produced by DJ Maphorisa from South Africa. The song was co-written by Vannesa Mdee, Kly and Mafikizolo. Sang in majority English, Kucheza is a different vibe from the traditional Mafikizolo sound.
Check out more Mafikizolo via Apple Music.