Ijongosi to release fifth album
MIDLANDS province’s rising Isicathamiya gospel group — Ijongosi Great Stars – will next month release its fifth album titled Ijongosi at the Bulawayo Theatre.
The album comes after the release of their fourth album—Konke Kulungile in 2019 and the launch event will be the group’s first gig after a three-year sabbatical due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
SOUTH Africa-based rapper and musician Mlue Jay has hailed Jeys Marabini's contribution to his soon-to-be -launched album — Less talk, more action.
The second studio album is scheduled for February 24 release. The production follows his debut release, Donatella in 2021.
Marabini's contribution is a skit which Mlue Jay said was a message of encouragement.
"Marabini is a legend in the game and a father to us young artistes. I am happy to have him on the album, he brings a word of encouragement. That gasses me up and I am hoping that it brings me more opportunities of working with the legend (Marabini) in the future," he said.
The album features Soko Matemai, Jeys Marabini, Lisa Mbali, Luminous, Kuda K and Indigo Saint.
The 11-track album was recorded and mixed at YeahWeLit Entertainment, run by Mlue Jay. Production was handled by Aboriginal Junkie from Russia, Mlue
Jay, N1, Vampir3lif3style, Fired Up touch, Broskiboi, M.O, Radi and JB Sauced Up.
Born Mlungisi Moyo, the artiste hails from Group leader Philani Donga confirmed the event to Standard Style.
“This is our fifth album since the group was established in 2011 and it has eight tracks. We had starved our fans for a long time and we are happy to be back in business,” Donga said.
“Our music followers should look out for tracks li iGomora, Ijongosi, Caroline and Amalanda.
“These are all great tracks and we
Magwegwe West suburb in Bulawayo. His debut album Donatella won the Best diaspora award at the Zim Hip hop awards.
The artiste was introduced to music in 2008 and started recording in 2010. He went on to study sound engineering in South Africa where he is now based.
The rapper named his debut album Donatella after his daughter. Donatella is an Italian name meaning “gift” or “gift of God”.
“Donatella is a gift from God. Donatella is my beautiful daughter whom I was blessed with by the Almighty and I want to share that gift of God with the rest of the world through music. She is the reason I do what I do every day. I hustle, I work hard in-between shifts, and also do music which is my love and passion,” explained Mlue Jay. can't wait to share them with our fans and we believe that they will be received well by the world.
“The album is a dedication to the fans who are the owners of the music.”
Donga said the album traces back the group’s formation and the hard times endured during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Ijongosi talks about how we used to live in our home area (Bharange village),”he said.
“We talked about what we used to do, especially herding cattle and fighting amongst ourselves.
“We also tackle how the group came about in 2011 and the history behind our music.
“We also touch on challenges we faced in the past two years during the Covid-19 outbreak.
“It was really difficult for us and we ended up using our savings without earning anything back.”