Thandiswa Mazwai’s Kulungile is like a bolt of lightning striking the soul, leaving a mark that cannot be erased. Her collaboration with Nduduzo Makhathini is a harmonious blend of old-world charm and modern innovation, like a vintage wine in a sleek modern bottle. Her bold creativity shines through in every note, making this track a gem in her crown. With Kulungile, she cements her place as a formidable force in the music industry.
By Themba Khumalo
Childhood scars can cut deep and bleed into every aspect of our lives, shaping how we view ourselves and relate to others. It is like a heavy burden on our shoulders, weighing us down and making it difficult to see the light. But with courage and vulnerability, we can begin to heal these wounds and rewrite our story with love and compassion.
In a moment of introspection on her past, Thandiswa Mazwai’s heart felt heavy as she thought back to her younger self. The memories of doubt and insecurity flooded back, overwhelming her with a wave of compassion. She poured her emotions into a heartfelt song, wanting to reassure that lost little girl that everything was all right.
She sings the song with a deep conviction, hoping to convey that despite all the hardships, things are now okay and will always be okay.
“So, I wanted to write a song to my younger self because I don’t think she realises that we are OK. I wanted to write a song that says we’re OK; we made it into adulthood; we grew up and we are not those little children anymore. In fact, we can now be the adults those little children needed. We can take care of ourselves, love ourselves and be there for ourselves,” she told City Press.
Through her hauntingly beautiful vocals in her newly released single Kulungile, Thandiswa weaves a tapestry of emotions that brings tears to your eyes and warmth to your heart.
Each note resonates with the deep anguish of the past yet offers a glimmer of hope for a brighter future. Kulungile is not just a song; it is a raw, soul-stirring experience that touches the depths of your being.
Nduduzo’s production skills on Kulungile elevate Mazwai’s poignant message of healing and self-acceptance, illustrating her lyrical prowess and emotional depth. The song’s powerful themes of resilience and growth resonate with the listener, offering comfort and hope in times of despair. Her introspective lyrics and soulful delivery make Kulungile a standout track that solidifies her position as a captivating storyteller in the music industry.
Last October, Thandiswa announced: “I have a song in my new album about “childhood trauma”. It’s the most personal song I have ever written. Kulungile. Kudlulile. Losing a mother is the worst shem. Sending love to all the motherless kids. I’m almost 50 and still healing from all that her death came with.”
“Kulungile is dedicated to little me. I need her to know we are ok. This song is for healing childhood wounds. Maybe your father didn’t claim you, maybe someone died, maybe someone touched you inappropriately.”
Thandiswa
The song is a soothing balm for the wounds of the soul, delicately unravelling the threads of pain and weaving them into an embroidery of cathartic release. Thandiswa’s poetic prowess dances effortlessly across the notes, painting vivid pictures of resilience and growth in the face of adversity. Kulungile is a beacon of hope in the pitch-dark night of despair, guiding one towards a horizon where healing is not just a dream but an achievable reality.
Nduduzo’s mastery of the piano is like an ambient light enhancing the depths of Mazwai’s vocals, guiding the listener on a profound and emotional journey. His delicate touch on the keys weaves a tapestry of sound that reaches deep into the soul, evoking multiple feelings that linger long after the final note has faded. In a world filled with noise, Makhathini and Mazwai’s creative brilliance stands out like a rare gem, offering a refreshing and enchanting escape into an orbit of sonic beauty and wonder.
“Nduduzo showed great respect for my musical vision and the concepts I aimed to convey through the music. I enjoyed collaborating with him because he prioritised enhancing the work rather than imposing his own ideas on it, ultimately elevating the project beyond what I could have achieved alone.”
Thandiswa
The song comes from her highly anticipated and soon-to-be-released album, Sankofa, of which she says: “Sankofa in the Ghanian language Twi means to go back and fetch what’s been left behind – what is important, what honours you, and what needs healing. Kulungile is about healing some of the traumas that we experience as children. Many of us have faced rejection, abandonment, and sexual violence. This song is for that child within that seeks justice, comfort and healing.”
In Kulungile, Thandiswa demonstrates how triggers can quietly steal our peace, hiding in unseen places within our thoughts and emotions. These triggers act as keys, releasing a tsunami of memories and feelings we believed were long buried. They can make us feel insignificant and helpless.
“I’m reclaiming things from my childhood; I’m reclaiming histories; I’m reclaiming languages.”
“Firstborns weep for their siblings more times than they will ever know. I weep. I pray. May we have 10 years of sunshine. Look at me being big sister, Ntsiki smiling like we don’t know the pain, Nomsa looking lovingly at her baby brother who is oblivious to the pain.”
Thandiswa
Sankofa
In a display of musical prowess, Thandiswa is set to captivate audiences with the release of Sankofa this coming May. The performance will be amidst the grandeur of Carnival City in Ekurhuleni on 11 May. As a homage to her illustrious career, a glimpse into the past will be granted through renditions of timeless melodies from Zabalaza, her groundbreaking debut album that has withstood the test of time for two decades.
In her enlightening explanation, she meticulously delved into the meaning of Sankofa, revealing its origins in the Twi language of Ghana. This powerful word encapsulates the essence of journeying back to retrieve treasures that have been inadvertently abandoned along one’s life journey. These retrieved elements are not mere possessions but sacred fragments that embody deep significance, demand reverence, and beckon a process of restoration and healing.
“Sankofa in the Ghanian language Twi means to go back and fetch what’s been left behind – what is important, what honours you, and what needs healing. How apt that as I prepare to launch this new work, my seminal album Zabalaza celebrates 20 years. For me, this is the year of Sankofa.”
Sankofa, a captivating musical masterpiece, was recorded in Johannesburg, Dakar, and New York. This innovative album brilliantly and smoothly blends ancient Xhosa melodies, soulful jazz undertones, and vibrant West African rhythms.
“Sankofa is about fetching what has been left behind, and the making of this work has truly embodied that idea. I can’t wait for people to hear what we have been working on. It is sensitive and lush while, at the same time, very powerful to me.”
The creative genius behind this project shines through in the tracks produced by the talented Meshell Ndegeocello and Nduduzo Makhathini, with stunning collaborations with the likes of Thandi Ntuli and Tendai Shoko adding to its rich tapestry of sound.