Maskandi singer-songwriter Sminofu keeps building on his catalogue and now gives his new album its name with the title cut “iTekisi.”
The 17-track project runs 1 hour 3 minutes and came out through Sminofu and EMPIRE. “iTekisi” sits second, right after the intro Benilindele Bani, so the title cut carries the album early. The first six tracks are all Sminofu alone because guests only arrive from track 7.
Sminofu is Mphile Gumede, a KwaZulu-Natal artist who pairs traditional maskandi guitar patterns with modern studio production. Zee Nxumalo joined him on Sajola Kamnandi, and Nomfundo Moh is another past collaborator. He also linked with Zamambo Mkhize on Choice Yethu, while Rush Hour even got an official video. On this album, Londeka Shangase takes Ngithunjiwe and Ngo December, Ojakalasi joins Emabhilidini, and Njabulo Langa appears on Umalumekazi.
The guest list makes sense for a record this long. Londeka Shangase and Ojakalasi fit the maskandi frame, but they also pull the sound toward a younger ear. EMachobeni closes the project at track 17.
Have you played Sminofu – “iTekisi” yet? Drop your take in the comment section.
