Nqaba Yam
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| Nqaba Yam | ||||
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | August 15, 2021[1] | |||
| Recorded | 2019 - 2021 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 51:16 | |||
| Label | Warner Music South Africa | |||
| Producer |
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| Zahara chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Nqaba yam | ||||
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Nqaba Yam is the sixth and final studio album by the South Africa singer Zahara, released on August 13, 2021, by Warner Music South Africa. The album is a follow-up to her fifth studio album, Mgodi (2017), the album explores themes such as love, faith, exploitation, media criticism, and social issues. Additionally, the album incorporates influences from afropop, country, Afro-soul, and gospel genres.[2]
The album received favorable reviews from music critics. The album spawned one singles, lead single "Nyamezela", and "Nqaba yam", which peaked at number one on iTune chart.
Background[edit]
In the wake of separating from TS Records, Zahara embarked on a new chapter in her music career, taking full control of her creative journey and financial dealings. Her departure marked a significant turning point as she set out to reclaim her narrative following her her struggles with heavy alcohol consumption, which lead to multiple rehab stints [3][4][5] With the new deal with Warner Music South Africa , As she embarked on her new chapter in her career, Zahara began channeling her energies into the creation of her upcoming album amidst her battle with alcoholism.[6]
Following a four-year hiatus, Zahara announced her fifth studio album on CapeTalk site and later released the album's lead single "Nyamezela" on 7 May 2021. With the second single following on 30 July 2021 "Nqaba Yam".[7] The album was conceived and recorded during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.[2][8][9] The album was initially set to be released on 9 July 2021, but was delayed due to COVID-19 lockdowns and finally released on 13 August 2021.[10]
Promotion[edit]
To promote the album, Zahara appeared on the 7th EMY Africa Awards, performing the new single "Nqaba Yam".[11]
Track listing[edit]
All tracks are written by Bulelwa Mkutukana, with additional contributors noted.
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Nqaba Yam" | 4:33 |
| 2. | "Sinda Mphefumlo" | 4:15 |
| 3. | "Ndikhona" | 4:11 |
| 4. | "Ndincede" | 4:34 |
| 5. | "Bawo" | 4:48 |
| 6. | "Systems" | 4:09 |
| 7. | "Ntak’ encinane" | 3:53 |
| 8. | "Senzeni" | 4:47 |
| 9. | "Nyamezela" | 5:30 |
| 10. | "Izolo" | 4:18 |
| 11. | "Forever Yours" | 3:37 |
| 12. | "Iphupho Lam" | 3:36 |
Credits and personnel[edit]
Credits adapted from allmusic[12]
- Bulelwa Mkutukana - Primary Artist, Vocals, Composer, Lyricist
- Bheka Mthethwa - Guitar (Bass)
- Devine Mitchell - Guitar
- Goran Josipovic - Engineer
- Mjakes Thebe - Engineer, Mixing, Producer
- Mojalefa Thebe - Composer
- Ndumiso Khubisa - String Programming
- Peter Jemba - Drums
- Rogan Kelsey - Mastering
- Xolani Thabethe - Keyboards
Reference[edit]
- ^ "Zahara talks about her new album Nqaba Yam". Music In Africa. August 13, 2021.
- ^ a b "New Music Friday: Zahara drops new album Nqaba Yam". www.glamour.co.za. Retrieved 2024-03-23.
- ^ Reporter, Citizen (July 17, 2016). "'Sources' claim Zahara is 'back in rehab'". The Citizen.
- ^ Makhoba, Ntombizodwa. "Zahara must quit booze or she is going to die, says doctor". City Press. Retrieved 2024-03-23.
- ^ "Spotlight on Zahara's royalties battle against TS Records over the years". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 2024-03-23.
- ^ "Zahara puts troll in its place after questioning her popularity".
- ^ "SA: Listen to Zahara's new single Nqaba Yam". Music In Africa. 2021-07-30. Retrieved 2024-03-23.
- ^ "Primedia Plus". KFM. Retrieved 2024-03-23.
- ^ "Log in or sign up to view". m.facebook.com. Retrieved 2024-03-23.
- ^ "SA: Zahara releases Nyamezela single ahead of fifth album". Music In Africa. 2021-05-07. Retrieved 2024-03-23.
- ^ Etefe, Juliet (2022-10-01). "South African Afro-Soul songstress Zahara arrives for 7th EMY Africa Awards". The Business & Financial Times. Retrieved 2024-03-23.
- ^ Nqaba Yam - Zahara | Album | AllMusic, retrieved 2024-03-23