Samthing Soweto is having a supreme moment of encounter with destiny. His oeuvre delivers a timeless classic that not only places him ahead of the melee, but has the potential to shift the industry forward with its manifesto for a return to brilliance as a benchmark.

Real name Samkelo Mdolomba, the hitmaker finally liberated his highly anticipated debut studio album, Isphithiphithi.

Already touted as a strong contender for album of the year by satiated fans and critics, the 13-track project marks a full circle for Samthing Soweto, who first flirted with the thrill of commercial success in 2011 as one of the founding members of acapella group – The Soil.

But having left the group on the cusp of their greatest era, that ride was short lived. He retreated from the spotlight, pursuing projects more aligned with his creative instincts. What followed was an EP called This n that without tempo, and a stint as frontman of Nu Jazz formation, The Fridge.

Those who’d heard of him wondered if he regretted his decision to leave. In a business of one chances, it looked tragic that he’d seemingly missed the spaceship.

Yet, almost a decade later, Samthing Soweto has become possibly the most exciting artist in the business. For this reason, Isphithiphithi distills the fullness of time.

He’s managed to power his discography with a slew of amapiano bops, ingratiating him to house music lovers. Though on this record, the singer steps fully into his creative DNA as a soulful artist with unmatched chops. The album is flavoured and strewn across influences and smooth blends of various genres; Nu Jazz, Afro-Soul, Afro-Pop and dance. He is a cross-pollinator.

Working with a bevy of the country’s high powered producers, such as Kabza De Small, DJ Maphorisa and Thabo Ngubane, a.k.a Mass, Samthing Soweto has engineered a richly layered masterpiece that launches his solo career from a crest.

The album premiered to much fanfare, having topped the iTunes album chart based on pre-orders alone. The lead single, ‘Akulaleki’, one of this summer’s biggest street anthems, was also #1 on iTunes across genres, making Samthing Soweto the first South African artist to achieve this feat.

Isphithiphithi opens with Sebenzela Nina. Tugging at the heartstrings of nostalgia, the song lavishes the culture with the distinctly African sounds that orchestrate a lush vibe on every song on the album. It’s how we know he didn’t ride the amapiano wave so much as elevate it.

Lyrically, the song captures the nuanced black South African experience, an ode to a parent telling his children how he expresses his love through his service to them. They have food everyday because he loves them. In this way, once more, the song introduces the authentic storytelling that is evident in Samthing Soweto’s writings.

He uses his platform to give meaning and melody to experiences, as well as the joys and blues that attend to them. But that’s not the only thing setting him apart from the melee.

The next song, Azishe, offers a winding listen. It’s about ganja. The singer reflects on the sense of escape offered by substances. “Ngizokwazi ukukhohlwa amanyala engiwabona everyday” (So that I will forget about the tragedies I see everyday). It’s a groovy song, but the words couldn’t be more poignant. The same can be said for Omama Bomthandazo, a prayer for women at a time where femicide haunts the country.

Nodoli goes down as one of the most beautiful songs you will hear this year. It’s an ode to the subject of his affection, whose dazzling beauty enchants Samthing Soweto.

Strategically, the singer places his more upbeat songs towards the end of the album. Lotto (featuring Mlindo The Vocalist, Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa), amaDM and Akulaleki have already capture the dance scene and the charts.

As a complete project, Isphithiphithi sounds like work that took time to be created. Samthing Soweto’s powerful voice hovers on each song. It’s a richly layered album, each song sufficing to exist beyond the world of the album. Yet as a cohesive set, the album decks out a brilliant offering.

TRACKLIST 

1. Sebenzela Nina
2. Azishe
3. Omama Bomthandazo (ft. Makhafula Vilakazi)
4. Nodoli
5. Uvalo
6. Thanda Wena Pt 2 (ft. Shasha)
7. Umuhle Uyasabeka
8. Uthando Lwempintshi Yakho
9. Isphithiphithi
10. Happy Birthday
11. Lotto (ft. Mlindo The Vocalist, Dj Maphorisa & Kabza De Small)
12. AmaDM (ft. Dj Maphorisa & Kabza De Small & Mfr Souls)
13.  Akulaleki (ft. Shasha, Dj Maphorisa & Kabza De Small)

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