By Pinehas Nakaziko
WINDHOEK-Composer, songwriter and singer, Nalimaanguluke Ndengu, popularly known as Makhazola, is finally showing his true colours with his fifth studio album, Evugu.
It might have taken two years to produce, but paying attention to detail, Makhazola has produced a strong, unique album and has maintained his form with his mellow vibes on the album released on Monday. “I have been working on this massive project for the past two years and, finally, I can say mission accomplished,” he says confidently. He adds that Evugu means he has passed through the desert. “It’s more like a life challenges, but I have made it to the top when it comes to this album,” says Makhazola.
Listening to the album itself, the first house track, Suwala Shandje (My In-law) is one of the best songs. On it Makhazola mixes the lyrics well into the beat. Track 6, Corner, featuring The Dogg, sounds more like South African Kwaito, reminding one of the old times when the likes of Mandoza’s and Bricks used to do their things those days. Osangrita, the Kwasa Kwasa track 7, is danceable and can many joints in places such as Eveline Streets, where people can dance to it with no fear.
The song Umpeke, which means watch out, is currently enjoying massive airplays on local radio stations and features South African Kwaito and House legend Ninja. Makhazola’s sixteen-track album includes a mixture of classic Kwaito and Rock, House and a touch of Kwasa Kwasa. The album has been produced by Momento, Nell-D and Makhazola himself. K-Boz and Elvo mastered the album. It also features Omzoo, Kafaule Kanembwaya, Guguletu, and Kuku Nkandanga. Evugu has been produced under the Ontsumuka Flourishing Entertainment (OFE) label. The songs are also in Isizulu, a bit of Afrikaans and Damara-Nama.
“The album is more commercial and danceable. The main message on this album is just to let everyone know that I am back for good, and here to stay” he entices.