Gqeberha, Eastern Cape - June 16th and 17th, 2023 marked the release of the debut single by Iinkonjane Zoofaku, titled 'Amawele'. The launch spanned over two days, with the initial day dedicated to a family-oriented gathering, fostering a connection with and expressing gratitude towards the ancestors for enabling the recording and completion of the song. The subsequent day served as the official launch, adhering to the established norms of the music industry. During our visit to the launch, we had the unique opportunity to delve into the background of this family-oriented musical project and discover how it all came to fruition.
Iinkonjane Zoofaku is widely known as a remarkable family deeply rooted in tradition and cultural values. Not only are they talented musicians, but they are also led by twins who hold the role of traditional healers in their community. The twins (uMam’uNonkundla and uMam’uNoxhanti) teaches, mentors, and coaches amathwasa (initiates) on the right ways of being traditional healers.
Ntsika yamaCirha, a member of the family, shared with us the heartfelt significance behind this inaugural song. 'Amawele' is a celebration and tribute to the late Luleka Notshulwana Mapuma, fondly known as uNonkundla, one of the twins who held a dream to see their family release commercial music rooted in their cultural and traditional beliefs. "As Iinkonjane Zoofaku, we are one big family, composed of individuals from different households," Sonwabo explained. "Our big sisters, the twins, have always provided us with a warm home where we can freely express our talents. Our family often gathers to sing in Iintlombe, traditional gatherings, where we enjoy ourselves, celebrate our culture, and find healing through music."
After sharing their music on popular social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube, the public and supporters of traditional music were captivated, leading to a demand for formal releases from the family. This overwhelming response ultimately culminated in the launch of 'Amawele'. The group embarked on their recording journey in May 2023, venturing into a recording studio for the very first time to bring to life the dream that had been planted in the twins' hearts and spirits.
Edgar Murzah, the producer of 'Amawele', reflected on the challenges of working with such a unique, niche music genre that is deeply rooted in tradition and spirituality. "The experience of producing this song for Iinkonjane Zoofaku, their first single, posed quite a challenge," he revealed. "We had to ensure the originality of the music, not compromising the spiritual and technical aspects. Furthermore, we had to guide them out of their comfort zone, as they were accustomed to performing in their own space during traditional gatherings. The transition into a recording studio was new and unfamiliar to them. However, I must commend their willingness to learn the recording process. We worked together to capture their best performances through separate recordings, allowing us to create an exceptional final product. I also had the privilege of collaborating with Mthokozisi Mabuza, who provided invaluable insights and assistance throughout the project."
For us as a publication, attending the launch was an absolutely awe-inspiring experience. The gathering proved to be an incredibly captivating affair as we had the privilege of immersing ourselves in the iNtlombe experience. The melodic singing, the captivating traditional dance (ukuxhentsa), the attire, the profound sense of love, and the spirit of Ubuntu that permeated the entire event were truly extraordinary. In an era where society predominantly embraces digital and Western customs, it is truly astonishing to witness musical initiatives and families that remain deeply rooted in their authentic cultural practices.
Mthoko Mabuza, the co-producer, shared his thoughts on this unique production experience. "Producing this type of song, a single like 'Amawele,' was a completely new experience for us," he admitted. "Usually, we work with songs that incorporate various instruments, such as drums and bass, to create a typical backdrop. However, in this instance, we took a more minimalist approach to preserve the essence and energy that Iinkonjane Zoofaku wanted to convey through their music. The rhythmic nature of the song was captivating, and these unique elements, often overlooked, took center stage, adding depth and character to the composition. Working with them in the studio was an equally fascinating experience, witnessing their unity as a family and performers. The results speak for themselves, and we are all delighted with the outcome."
Commenting on the importance of open-mindedness as a producer, Mthoko Mabuza emphasized the crucial role it plays in collaborating with diverse artists and exploring different musical genres. He highlighted the significance of maintaining a clean slate and providing artists with the platform to express themselves freely, enabling them to develop their individual voices and create exceptional music.
Wrapping up our conversation, Ntsika YamaCirha affirmed that Iinkonjane Zoofaku has ambitious plans for the future, intending to grow their presence in the music industry by releasing more music. They expressed their gratitude to supporters for joining them in celebrating the life of uNonkundla, a woman of integrity and exemplary values. As they move forward, they remain committed to their true north, preserving cultural practices and embracing ubugqirha, while also fulfilling their roles as traditional healers to teach, mentor, and coach amathwasa on the right ways of being traditional healers.
You can stream the single AMAWELE here: