MZAMBIYA RISES FROM THE DEAD

WHAT do you do with the rest of your life when you had achieved more than some retired artists in their entire working lives at the age of 12?

South Africa ’ s most celebrated kwaito child star Mzambiya, real name Nkosinathi Zwane, will answer that question next month with a new album launch.

After taking the country by storm at the turn of the century with his hit song Mele Senzeni, Mzambiya (27) went to hell and back and survived to tell the story with his new yet to be titled album.

His debut album Still I Rise earned him nominations for best kwaito song at the Samas and best music video at the Channel O Africa Music Video Awards.

Life then took him on a labyrinth that included completing his studies, witnessing a suicide, venturing into the construction business and founding a non-governmental organisation. After that, he went into a lull. Mzambiya ’ s comeback to the entertainment scene was through dance talent spotting show Jika

Majika late last year. Ironically, he was also spotted on another youth talent show, Jam

Alley, before he burst onto the music scene.

It was at this stage that South Africa ’“s king of kwaito ” Arthur Mafokate pounced to revive this Soweto native ’ s music career.

“I started working with him in secret in January, ” said Mafokate.

“I chose him because he has been there, done that and proved his talent to the world. He now understands the industry better. I can safely say he has matured.

“He ’ s one of the best-selling youngsters in the country. I couldn ’ t ignore someone who sold more than 200 000 copies on their first album.

“He has proved himself as a real artist. He ’ s featured in movies and is presenting a TV show.

“Sometimes, it ’ s better to deal with people who ’ ve seen it all.”

Mafokate, who recently revived the career of erstwhile kwaito star Ishmael Morabe, said Mzambiya ’ s new album was “beautiful ” and would appeal to both hardcore and new-age kwaito fans.

“The album will have 12 songs that were written by Mzambiya and produced by me, and feature Ishmael and Techno T, among other top producers,” said Mafokate.

“We really put an effort behind it. I hope the public will receive it with the same passion.”

Mzamibya ’ s album will be launched in Mahikeng in May.