Zahara helps fans dance away their lockdown blues
ZAHARA has many special attributes, but the one that stands out is her ability to stay true to herself and her passion for music.
Over the years, she has come under public scrutiny, but when it comes to her music, Zahara never disappoints. She delivers every time.
When her latest album Nqaba Yam released on August 13, it shot to the number one spot on iTunes, a reminder that South Africa had been longing for the sound of Zahara.
It was indeed a long-awaited body of work, but so worth it. The 12 -track album is a fusion of Afro-soul, pop, with some elements of African rhythm blended with a soul-soothing gospel influence.
In typical Zahara fashion, the album, which lays bare her soul, takes the listener on a personal journey of love and life, pain and joy, while also tackling socio-economic issues to help fans dance away the lockdown blues.
With over a decade of experience in the industry, and five albums later, Zahara is introducing a fresh sound, while retaining that authenticity that she’s known for by her fans worldwide.
Zahara penned all 12 tracks on the album, under the production of her long-time collaborator, the legendary Mojalefa “Mjakes” Thebe.
In the first few tracks of the album, Nqaba Yam, Sinda Mphefumlo, Ndicede and Bawo, she reveals how she found solace in God during her many trials and tribulations.
In a recent interview with DJ Keyez on Kaya 959, Zahara opened up about the recent death of her sister.
She talked about how her sister listened to the entire album, but it was Sinda Mphefumlo, which loosely translates to “save my soul”, that spoke to her.
“Perhaps she knew her time has come,” Zahara said.
In Ndikhona, Zahara talks about the love she never experienced before, and about being treated like the queen that she is, and how she is ready and willing to give back the love tenfold.
In the follow up single, Systems, Zahara touches on social injustices, and explores the political and socio-economic challenges of this world.
Then Zahara takes listeners back to Sophiatown with her jazz-infused track, Ntak’encinane.
The nostalgic sound of marabi will have you snapping your fingers and kicking your heels as Zahari takes you down memory lane.
Senzeni has that maskandi vibe. It’s an empowering track dedicated to survivors of gender-based violence.
Nyamezela is a sing-along track that carries a strong message of resilience and courage.
Izolo is another mid-tempo track that puts emphasis on the power of forgiveness, while Forever Yours is so catchy, it will be put on repeat.
Last, but not least, Imphupho Lam is dedicated to all the dreamers and hustlers who believe that one day all their dreams and aspirations will come to life.
Zahara reminds her listeners, once again, of the power of the supernatural.
This multi-layered album features local and international stars, including singer Xolani Thabethe, bass player Bheka Mthethwa, drummer Peter Djamba, Devine Mitchell, who plays the guitar on all the tracks except Senzeni. Mitchell doubles as a co-composer on Sinda Mphefumlo.
Other musicians who contributed to the album include American steel guitarist Ben Young, South African guitar master Billy Monama, pianist Ndu Khubisa and American fiddle player Jenee Fleenor.
Through this album she’s sending a clear message of love, forgiveness, courage, hope and faith.
Nqaba Yam is currently available on all streaming platforms.