Uhuru (band)

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
  • Manyora a Muzik
  • Originators
Genres
Years active2012–2016
LabelsKalawa Jazmee Records
Past members
Websiteuhurumusic.co.za

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  • (Uhuru is no longer active).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. Therese Owen (13 March 2013). "Reunited Mafikizolo are back with a bang". IOL. Retrieved 14 August 2015.
  2. Phiona Okumu (9 December 2013). "Uhuru – Y-tjukutja: New music from South Africa". The Guardian. Retrieved 14 August 2015.
  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. "Uhuru". African Entertainment. Retrieved 14 August 2015.
  5. "Uhuru Y-tjukutja's to victory". Sunday World. Retrieved 14 August 2015.
  6. Bulelani Ngovi (28 December 2013). "Uhuru". The Zambezian. Retrieved 14 August 2015.
  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. "All the MTV Africa Music Awards winners". The Citizen. 8 June 2014. Retrieved 14 August 2015.
  9. MTV Base (5 February 2015). "Uhuru Splits". Viacom. Retrieved 30 September 2016.
  10. Buchule Raba (8 December 2015). "Uhuru's house falling apart". Times Media Group. Retrieved 30 September 2016.
  11. "Free Prophecy, Vol. 1". iTunes Store. 18 December 2016. Retrieved 12 January 2017.
  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. 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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