His journey in music hasn’t been the smoothest one.
Like many artists, he’s found himself in a riff-raff with his management a few years ago.
At the time, he was signed to Mabala noise and even that didn’t go as planned.
But none of this has kept him down.
After releasing his album, Impi in 2020 and an EP in 2021, Mnqobi Yazo took a break from the music industry.
Now for the first time in about three years, he makes a return with a new album titled Ubhoko which means war stick.
He tells Durm that he takes his time to produce his music and is never in a rush.
“I take my time when I create, and I build my work. All my [projects] are usually years apart if you notice. I don’t want to release something I’m not sure about.”
The new 19-track album features the likes of Yallunder, Njilour, Ndabaz, Igcokama Elisha and Olefied Khetha.
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Ubhoko takes listeners on a profound exploration of heritage, love, and the essence of African descent. Mnqobi Yazo skillfully weaves storytelling into his music, addressing critical social issues such as mental health, love, and fostering a positive mindset. The album serves as a cultural mirror, reflecting the realities and aspirations of a diverse audience.
“The type of sound I came with in this album is one I’ve never done before, it’s something no one knows me by. Personally, it means a lot. It takes a brave person to hear the words of ubhoko. Even in life, if you don’t try new things, you won’t grow so you need to try new things and show growth.
For him, the new album documents his growth and his coming of age.
“It doesn’t sound like all the other projects I’ve worked on. I was scared when I listened to this project at first. I wondered how people were going to accept it but everyone who’s listened to the album says it’s mature. The topics I used to talk about previously, I don’t think I need to repeat them now because they are not relevant anymore. I must show growth. I believe that music must grow with you.”
Of all the things that have catapulted his growth in life, being a father is the most notable.
“I touch on depression; I touch on hustle that there is no other way – we must wake up and hustle. I touch on love and the different ways of showing love, I touch on family matters and more in the album.”
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“A child will change your life completely, you no longer live for yourself, everything changes. You can never decide to just drink without thinking about the child and raising them takes a lot from you.”
Despite all his ups and downs in the music industry, he shares with Drum that he continues to make music to heal people who love his sound.
The 31-year-old now independently produces his music under his own company in partnership with Empire.
Known to be a versatile artist, the maskandi singer born Mnqobi Lindokuhle Msimango says his supporters must expect the unexpected but rest assured, he is back and he’s better.
