Uhuru_(band)

Uhuru (band)

Uhuru (band)

South African music group

Uhuru (Swahili: freedom) were a South African musical group best known for producing the hit single "Khona" performed by Mafikizolo.[1] Signed to Kalawa Jazmee, the band consisted of Nqobile Mahlanu (Mapiano), Sihle Dlalisisa (DJ Clap), Xelimpilo Simelane (Xeli) and Themba Sekowe (DJ Maphorisa).[2] Independently, Uhuru is best known for hit remixes like "Y-tjukutja" and "The Sound".[3]

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Background

Prior to collaborating in 2012, Mapiano and Xeli were friends who were into playing contemporary African jazz in Soshanguve where they originated from.[4] The band members were signed through DJ Clap who was already an artiste signed to Kalawa Jazmee Records.[5] Uhuru manages artwork and production in house as DJ Clap, Mapiano and Xeli mainly act as DJ, pianist and vocalist respectively.[6]

Career

Uhuru shot into limelight in 2013 after the release of the chart-topping single titled "Y-tjukutja", which went on to be dubbed as the song of the year for 2013 in South Africa.[7] The producers also featured in "Khona", a song which topped many music charts and won several awards in South Africa and beyond including the 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards.[8] In 2015, the collaborating artists undertook solo ambitions.[9] By 2016, the Uhuru brand underwent serious challenges and incorporated a new face.[10] Later in 2016, Uhuru released "Own Devices", "The Sound (Remix)" and Free Prophecy, Vol 1. under new management, putting to rest rumoured band break-ups.[11]

Band members

Current roster

  • (Uhuru is no longer active).

Former acts

Discography

Selected singles

  • "Pata Pata" (2012)
  • "Work" (2012)
  • "Pepe" (2012)
  • "Not Yet Uhuru" (2012)
  • "Umraro" (2012)
  • "Follow" (2012)
  • "Ketsetse" (2013)
  • "Thathi Sgubhu" (2013)
  • "Ungowami" (2013)
  • "Sweety Mabhebeza" (2013)
  • "Y-tjukutja" (2013)
  • "Raindrops" (2014)
  • "Nne" (2014)
  • "Kumi Na Mbili" (2014)
  • "Kumi Na Tatu" (2014)
  • "Nane" (2014)
  • "Kumi" (2014)
  • "Unity ina Diversity" (2015)
  • "Duze" (2015)
  • "Shoota Babylone (2015)
  • "Circles" (2015)

Albums

Awards and nominations

  • 2013 Song of the Year Award[12]
  • Nominated for 'Best Electronic Act' at the Unsigned Music Awards (UMA's) Troxy Theatre London, 2016[13]

See also

References

  1. [1]
    Therese Owen (13 March 2013). "Reunited Mafikizolo are back with a bang". IOL. Retrieved 14 August 2015.
  2. [2]
    Phiona Okumu (9 December 2013). "Uhuru – Y-tjukutja: New music from South Africa". The Guardian. Retrieved 14 August 2015.
  3. [3]
    Alyssa Klein (4 December 2013). "Uhuru's Kwaito-House Anthem 'Y Tjukutja' Ft. Dj Buckz, Oskido, Professor + Yuri-Da-Cunha". Okay Africa. Retrieved 14 August 2015.
  4. [4]
    "Uhuru". African Entertainment. Retrieved 14 August 2015.
  5. [5]
    "Uhuru Y-tjukutja's to victory". Sunday World. Retrieved 14 August 2015.
  6. [6]
    Bulelani Ngovi (28 December 2013). "Uhuru". The Zambezian. Retrieved 14 August 2015.
  7. [7]
    Alyssa Klein (4 December 2013). "Uhuru's Kwaito-House Anthem 'Y Tjukutja' Ft. Dj Buckz, Oskido, Professor + Yuri-Da-Cunha". Okay Africa. Retrieved 14 August 2015.
  8. [8]
    "All the MTV Africa Music Awards winners". The Citizen. 8 June 2014. Retrieved 14 August 2015.
  9. [9]
    MTV Base (5 February 2015). "Uhuru Splits". Viacom. Retrieved 30 September 2016.
  10. [10]
    Buchule Raba (8 December 2015). "Uhuru's house falling apart". Times Media Group. Retrieved 30 September 2016.
  11. [11]
    "Free Prophecy, Vol. 1". iTunes Store. 18 December 2016. Retrieved 12 January 2017.
  12. [12]
    Alyssa Klein (4 December 2013). "Uhuru's Kwaito-House Anthem 'Y Tjukutja' Ft. Dj Buckz, Oskido, Professor + Yuri-Da-Cunha". Okay Africa. Retrieved 14 August 2015.
  13. [13]
    Giselle Tadman (11 October 2016). "UNSIGNED MUSIC AWARDS – GIGSOUP TALK TO 'BEST ELECTRONIC / DANCE ACT' NOMINEE UHURU". Retrieved 3 February 2017.
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