Singer, songwriter, and guitarist, Bongeziwe Mabandla, released his new album, Ndingubani, on 11 June.
It features the playful yet profound sing-along single, Walila.
“Walila is about karma, and how what we do eventually finds its way back to us,” Mabandla explained.
“Writing this song started in a very playful and almost comical way, but slowly became something deeper. It grew into a story about that moment when everything is finally revealed, and justice arrives after feeling wronged. It’s a different kind of song for me, especially in how playful it is, but at its core it’s about timing, consequence and the quiet ways life circles back around.”
Hailing from Tsolo outside Mthatha, the 39-year-old multi-award-winning artist, sings primarily in isiXhosa, blending traditional Xhosa folk music with modern soul, electronic, and indie-folk elements.
His sound is intimate, emotional, and spiritual, characterised by his haunting falsetto, poetic lyrics, and stripped-back guitar work.
Mabandla released his debut album Umlilo in 2012, introducing his signature folk-soul style.
His 2017 breakthrough, Mangaliso, won Best Alternative Album at the 2018 South African Music Awards.
He followed with iimini in 2020, which earned international acclaim when BBC 6 Music named it Album of the Day.
His 2023 release amaXesha explored love and healing.
Speaking about his new 18-track album, Mabandla reflected, “Ndingubani is my story about who I am, and who I am yet to become.”
However, he said the album was never just his.
“A big part of this album has also been the people who have walked alongside it. The community that has listened, shared, shown up to shows, and become part of this unfolding story with me.
“It is a reminder that the story of Ndingubani doesn’t begin and end with me. It extends to all of you who continue to grow, change and become.”
Having toured extensively across Europe and the US, Mabandla has collaborated with artists, including Zakes Bantwini and Tresor.
Although he writes almost exclusively in isiXhosa, his music resonates globally through its raw emotion and sound.
He has been pivotal in bringing Xhosa-language music into contemporary global spaces without compromising its essence.
His most popular tracks include Zange, Bawo Wam, Ndokulandela and Soze.
