Singer Ishmael changes his style again for latest album

COMEBACK kid Ishmael has returned to the music scene, but this time he has ditched his swag for simplicity.

The musical chameleon has released his latest album, titled Ke Waka (She is Mine), and has chosen lyrical ability over effects.

The album was released last week, through veteran musician Arthur Mafokate’s 999 music label, to which the singer has now returned.

“It’s different from any other album I’ve done. It’s a live album throughout,” Ishmael said.

“It’s something for my fans from way back in the day who have also grown now – it’s more Afro soul and jazz.

“I owe it to myself to do an album where I’m not trying to be trendy, cool or swaggalicious. I just really sing [on this album] – it’s real and raw and I want people to get that.”

The 12-track album, available on iTunes, has no featured artists and was produced by his long-time producer Tempo, who also produced his kwaito smash-hit Roba Letheka.

The 43-year-old has dabbled in different genres, also including trap and gospel.

“I need to enjoy myself with my music and play with it and not just be stiff,” he said.

Much of the album is focused on love, despite the singer being single at present.

“I’m not in love, but I know I will be soon,” he laughed.

“Love comes and goes and then it comes back again.”