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Mbulelo Mpofu

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HAVE you ever heard of Afro-Pop Maskandi? Well, you will soon hear it as up-and-coming Afro-Pop artiste Bhila (real name Patriach Joel Welcome Manyabi) is preparing to release his debut album that will be a fusion of Afro-pop and Maskandi, soon.

Born and bred in the mining town of Gwanda, the singer said the album mirrors a newspaper as it is all-encompassing social commentary.

“Iphephandaba (a newspaper) was inspired by the need to tell stories. I’m a very observant person and whatever I see, I document and tell a story about it. My songs are like stories one reads in a newspaper. They’re personal experiences as what I’ve seen and experienced has moulded me.” 

Iphephandaba has 10 songs including GP, Cima, Imbila, Ngiyashela, Mama loBaba, Lala Ngoxolo, and Yekelani. 

It has themes ranging from love, economic woes, religion and social etiquette. It was recorded, mixed and mastered by Smallz, NateOktopus and Sixteen. It features up-and-coming artistes who include Lewanika_M, Sixteen, Siba, Mdue, Tshaka, and Libra Liege.

The artiste’s debut album is full of promise with an authentic sound, mature lyrics, and a ready-made roll-out plan. Lovers of South African artiste – Sjava’s sound are going to have a field day on this one since the style resembles that of the Umama hit-maker. Locally, Bhila is inspired by Qeqeshiwe Mntambo.

Enzo Ishall

To prepare for the album launch, Bhila said he will go around different locations staging free gigs. 

He said being a part of Amaculo Enjabulo, a youth choir at his place of worship nurtured his love for music with his music career starting off as a hobby.

“I started taking music as a serious career last year after I released my EP. Since then, I’ve seen improvement in my craft,” he said.

The musician who composes music for other artistes has curtain-raised for Enzo Ishall and performed at the recently-held 9ice Festival. -@MbuleloMpofu