MT HAT HA ’’ SO 47
Trio in fine voice on debut
MTHATHA trio 047, who were discovered by afro soul singer Vusi Nova last year, have released their debut album titled Wen’ Ungowam.
The album was released yesterday on all digital stores. The trio – Ngcali Nundu, 19, Lihle Baleni, 20, and Sihle Mdaka, 21 – were introduced to Vusi Nova last year after a mutual friend had played their demo for him.
The trio have been doing music for more than five years and received their big break last year, when Vusi Nova took them under his wing.
They are inspired by the likes of The Soil, Vusi Nova, Nathi, Ringo and Afrotraction.
They released their first single,
Ubuhle, last year in September, which saw them performing on various stages across the country.
Speaking to the Daily Dispatch yesterday, Nundu said since the single’s release last year they have been working hard putting together their first album.
“People started noticing us and wanting to find out more about the group. It’s been an amazing journey,” he said.
The trio are currently based in Johannesburg, where they are also pursuing their higher education.
“This is our second year in Johannesburg now and we try by all means to find the balance in everything that we do.
“Our management has our class schedules and they work around that,” Nundu said.
Last year, Vusi Nova told the Dispatch that what he did for 047 was what he would have loved when he was starting out in the industry.
Vusi Nova said despite knowing many people in the industry, no one was prepared to give him a break and he had to fend for himself.
He has since taken 047 under his wing and has performed with them on many of his shows. Nundu said they had given their all with their debut album and hoped the public would embrace their sound.
“Our single did well and we put everything in to this album. We are scared and excited at the same time. “When you put so much work into something you can only hope for the best,” he said, adding that they would be launching their album on SABC 3’s WTF Tumi show.
“We want to have our official album launch in Mthatha because we do this for our town. At the moment we don’t have dates yet but we are planning to have it there,” he said.
Last year the group got the opportunity to perform at Ntando’s album launch, and their single was playlisted on all major stations.
They got to perform alongside some of the biggest artists such as mentor Vusi Nova, Ringo, The Soil and Amanda Black.
And last year they graced the Buyel’ Ekhaya Pan African Music Festival stage alongside Vusi Nova.
047’s debut album is available on all digital stores. Nundu said hard copies would be available at all music stores by the end of the month. —