Mzukulu
Ivila Laselawini
Album · Maskandi · 2021
On his third studio album, maskandi star Mzukulu continues to reflect on everyday life over the genre’s signature acoustic guitar-heavy sound, at times accompanied by subtle keys and flutes. He spends most of the album exploring scenarios in romantic relationships, from the playful and sexually suggestive title track to “Sukuma Mkami Bakubone”, where he takes pride in his gorgeous other half, and “Wadlala Ngami”, an expression of feeling betrayed after a lover walks out on him. Yet many of these serious topics are sprinkled with tongue-in-cheek humour. On “Dear December”, he personifies the months of the year as he tackles an unbearable long-distance relationship. On “Nongaphuzi Uyalenza Iphutha”, Mzukulu questions his partner’s timing for discussing a misstep he’s taking accountability for. In the same song, he invites Mfoka Msezana for an exchange of surefooted praise chants cushioned by robust ululations in the background, making for an epic closer.