It’s almost been a month since the dulcet voiced and incredibly talented singer/songwriter, Thandy Dhlana, released Inganekwane, her latest studio offering that has enjoyed rave reviews from fellow musos and music enthusiasts. A long wait it has been, but judging from the production quality of this body of work, it’s been worth the wait.
Dhlana’s understated musical and lyrical prowess glitters through this album and what is even more strikingly beautiful is how the work manages to strike that perfect balance between the vocals and the different instruments, everyone involved shines through so effortlessly, brilliant musicianship if you ask me.
The 10 tracked riveting and highly acclaimed project is 41 minutes long and is arguably Dhlana’s best work yet. From the first track, Inganekwane– the title track down to Chidzoka, the last track, the album tugs at one’s heartstrings. Guaranteed, the songs will make you feel frustrated on her behalf, you will feel the gap left by that one person, you will miss home, you will fall in love again, feel free as a butterfly and definitely shed a tear or two, sharing right in there with her emotions and experiences, what good music is all about after all, feelings!
This excellently layered record is a robustly diverse musical voyage; from the classical jazzy sounds that take one back to the glory days of Cape to Cairo, that once was the prime of live music, to the deep ancient echoes that will resonate with any native being. The work also explores rock elements, exotic reggae sounds and a dash of the Spanish guitar particularly on Ukukuthanda. There is definitely something for everyone on this album.
Besides Dhlana’s consistent vocals on studio or live projects, her ability to sing and switch between different languages is her superpower. She smoothly transitions from one language to the next without you even realising it. One minute she is belting it out in English and the next thing you are singing along in isiNdebele or Shona, only the greatest of songwriters can achieve this.
What is a Thandy Dhlana offering without her trademark echoes and chants? Well, those that follow her and her music closely will definitely know what I am on about. Perhaps another thing you will be familiar with on this work is the reworked rendition of Hamba from the Ongaziwayo album.
Dhlana undeniably put her best foot forward with this record. The aesthetically pleasing album artwork definitely complements the sensational music on this masterpiece. It is with no doubt, a thoroughly exhilarating musical affair of songs you will want to hear over and over again and probably can’t wait to rave about!
Inganekwane is available for streaming and downloads on this link tree: https://linktr.ee/Thandydhlana?fbclid=IwAR0_u-k1NuVb6pgTYfPDgeCGZhwAjOZ-ilR3ET2QcK1RMQ8trHy67l1fH5Q
Tracklist
- Inganekwane
- Siyaxabana
- Ukukuthanda
- I Still Feel the Gap
- I Miss Home
- Ulilanga Lami
- Butterfly
- Hamba
- Khonale
- Chidzoka
Credits
Drums : Obey Mudiwa
Bass : Cyd Bass
Acoustic Guitar : Sam Siwela
Lead Guitar : Sam Siwela
Keyboards and Aux Keys : Prince Joel Nyoni
Studio Engineer: Maciek Malicki
Percussion : Gomez SaJayden
Percussion : Dumisani Ramadu Moyo
Background Vocals : De Lukes Kays
Background Vocals : Celine Sky
Executive Producer : Rodney Jele
Executive Producer : ThandyDhlana
Producer : Cyd Bass
Album Art: Stickyzw
Designer : Nkanyeziyethu Malunga Mkosana
MUA: Thandeka Moyo
Photography: Gideon Gidds
Co-songwriter : Tshilo Nleya
Co-songwriter : Thulani Nyashanu
Co-songwriter : Inothando Malele
Co-songwriter : Sam Siwela
PR Manager :Yolanda Banda
Recording Studio : P3 Studio Bulawayo
