Musically diverse duo Abantwana Belanga releases debut album and embarks on intra-provincial tour
By CityLife Arts Writer
They have been around in the music industry working with other musicians, of course bidding their time to be ready to be on their own, and now the time has arrived.
Not only have their released their brand new musical project, but are currently on a tour to your nearest venue and it may be worth checking them out and find out what it is that they have been cooking in their studio and what are they made up of when it comes to live performances.
Abantwana Belanga marks the first studio project by Gqeberha raised, charismatic and slang-slinging pair. The EP consists of 7 tracks where a melange of urban-Xhosa-folk, hip electric Maskandi and kasi-rap-soul melodies merge.
Their mellifluous tones and distinct musical textures can make any listener float to galaxies far, far away. Umle’s collective intention behind Abantwana Belanga can be heard through their idiosyncratic vocal style, witty-slurry mumbled and thought provoking lyrics that are dispensed on a climbing chord progression.
This EP establishes Siyabonga Radu and Siphamandla Fete as one of the moist innovative, afro–futuristic, social theorists who navigate our existence through music.
Tasteful, introspective, solid, Abantwana Belanga is a healthy dose of s ’today Xhosa-folk music. Without missing a beat, Umle unveiled their lead single Malanki, which debuted on all major streaming/ digital platforms.
The track was ranked #1 on Siyabonga Scoop Makhathini’s Audiomack Top 10 Playlist. An anthem to the fans, Malanki’s primary groove highlights the beauty and authenticity of black love.
The single has rapidly ascended to a majority of notable playlists. On digital outlets like Apple Music they are playlisted by radio DJ Lootlove and the Mzansi Soul Mix. On Deezer, Malanki is on the Hugh Masekela’s playlist and it can also be heard on Spotify under a few mixes by Sun El Musician, Urban Village and the International Soul Mix.
Unflinchingly honest, unapologetic and poignant, their second single iWatch endala is an ode to their fathers/ old timers. Written by Siyabonga Radu and Siphamandla Fete, the duo delivers rich and cutting-edge lyricism that can hold the attention of a deadbeat father.
The robust rhythmic feel on iWatch endala anchors the song’s core theme. On the Mzansi Jazz Apple-Music playlist, iWatch endala ranked #1. Following its unstoppable success, the single ranked #2 on Sun El’s playlist On Spotify. Jazz musician Mandisi Dyantyis also included it on his playlist.
The record captures the duo’s sound and turns the page on a new Umle era. On production and piano, Nduduzo Makhathini (Award winning and world acclaimed jazz musician). The record has been met with such a warm reception with additional production or features by: Spanishg Fly (Bass Guitar), Tinotendashe Chigwida (Drums), Lwande Makhohliso (Engineer) and Ian Osrin (Mixed and Mastered), Vukile Batyi (EP Artwork). Backing vocalists are Nosipho Maka-Yanga Twani and Chwaita Rula.
“The tour is a screech and a musical photo-montage on communal issues that affect us a duo, directly or indirectly. It is a collaborative socially engaged project that compels both the scrutiny of the artist and that of the audience.” – UMLE To celebrate the triumphant release of the EP.
. In partnership with AltBlk and Akum Agency, Umle premiered the music video for the single iWatch endala and also performed live on the 13th March, at the State Theatre, Tshwane. The EP is available on all digital/ streaming platforms and here is a link to the music: https://platoon.lnk.to/abantwana-belanga Tracklist.
ABANTWANA BELANGA ACOUSTIC TOUR:2022 TOUR DATES VENUE 19 March Private Location, Gqeberha 25 March The Commons, Cape Town 27 March Selective Hearing, Cape Town 01 April Native Rebels, Soweto 02 April Mangrove, Johannesburg 03 April Uhuru Café, Vaal 08 April U-the Space, PTA 23 April Sir Anthony, Johannesburg.
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