BULAWAYO-based artiste Gadlabemhleba 'King Sono' is set to shake the music scene with his upcoming album, Ithuna Lemvelo, a unique fusion of indigenous sounds which is set to be released in February next year.
Born Mqhelisi Nkomo, Gadlabemhleba (25)'s music is a blend of jazz, maskandi, amapiano and traditional African sounds, crafted to resonate with listeners from Bulawayo and Matabeleland region.
Speaking to NewsDay Life & Style, Gadlabemhleba said the 10-track album would be released on February 2 next year and he would drop four singles every Friday of this month.”
“The album will be released on February 2, 2025. In the meantime, we will release four singles and a music video for the title track, Ithuna Lemvelo. The other singles to be released are Abafana Benkani (A tribute song for Highlanders FC), Ndiyintandane and Xola Nhliziyo,” Gadlabemhleba said.
“The main song is the title track, Ithuna Lemvelo. The song speaks about the death of our cultural origins or roots as Africans. So the artiste is looking for a metaphorical grave where our roots have been buried upon realising they're dead.”
He said there were two songs which featured other artistes such as Mafavuke and Obzinto Makhafula, but the rest of the album was performed by him.
The artiste said fans must expect a unique style of music from him because his music is a fusion of different indigenous sounds.
“While I am a young artiste, my music has depth and is created in a cultural way. I am a spiritual healer and my genre, known as 5in1, is one of a kind,” he said.
- Gadlabemhleba set to unveil album
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Through workshops, performances and community engagements in Bulawayo and beyond, Gadlabemhleba has spread his message of unity and spiritual awakening.
