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]
Uhuru | |
|---|---|
| Also known as |
|
| Genres | |
| Years active | 2012–2016 |
| Labels | Kalawa Jazmee Records |
| Past members |
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| Website | uhurumusic |
Background
editPrior 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
editUhuru shot into limelight in 2013 after the release of the chart-topping single titled "Y-tjukutja", in part featuring Oskido and Angolan singer Yuri da Cunha, 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
editCurrent roster
edit- (Uhuru is no longer active).
Former acts
edit- DJ Maphorisa
- DJ Clap
- Mapiano
- Xelimpilo
Discography
editSelected singles
editThis list of songs or music-related items is incomplete; you can help by adding missing items. (August 2015) |
- "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)
As featured artists
editThis list of songs or music-related items is incomplete; you can help by adding missing items. (August 2015) |
- "Khona" – Mafikizolo ft. Uhuru (2013)
- "Speaker" – Professor ft. Oskido and Uhuru
- "Move" – Becca ft. Uhuru (2014)
- "Nakupenda" – Mafikizolo ft. Uhuru (2014)
- "Komolop Cholop" – MC Galaxy ft. Uhuru (2015)
- "The Sound" – Davido ft. Uhuru (2015)
- "The Banger" – Runtown ft. Uhuru (2015)
- "The Sound (Remix)" – Davido ft. G-Eazy and Uhuru (2016)
Albums
edit- Symbiose (2006)
- Not Yet (2012)
- Our Father (2013)
- Safari (2014)
- Free Prophecy, Vol 1. (2016)
Awards and nominations
editSee also
editReferences
edit- ^ Therese Owen (13 March 2013). "Reunited Mafikizolo are back with a bang". IOL. Retrieved 14 August 2015.
- ^ Phiona Okumu (9 December 2013). "Uhuru – Y-tjukutja: New music from South Africa". The Guardian. Retrieved 14 August 2015.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Uhuru". African Entertainment. Retrieved 14 August 2015.
- ^ "Uhuru Y-tjukutja's to victory". Sunday World. Retrieved 14 August 2015.
- ^ Bulelani Ngovi (28 December 2013). "Uhuru". The Zambezian. Retrieved 14 August 2015.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "All the MTV Africa Music Awards winners". The Citizen. 8 June 2014. Retrieved 14 August 2015.
- ^ MTV Base (5 February 2015). "Uhuru Splits". Viacom. Retrieved 30 September 2016.
- ^ Buchule Raba (8 December 2015). "Uhuru's house falling apart". Times Media Group. Retrieved 30 September 2016.
- ^ "Free Prophecy, Vol. 1". iTunes Store. 18 December 2016. Retrieved 12 January 2017.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Giselle Tadman (11 October 2016). "UNSIGNED MUSIC AWARDS – GIGSOUP TALK TO 'BEST ELECTRONIC / DANCE ACT' NOMINEE UHURU". Retrieved 3 February 2017.
