South African maskandi artist Jaiva Zimnike has released his tenth solo album, Iksasa Alaziwa, through Durban Media House and Africori. The 18-track project is the first release under the Africori imprint and covers love, relationships, the uncertainties of life and cultural identity.
A record shaped by maskandi storytelling#
The title translates as ‘The Future Is Unknown’. The album builds on maskandi’s tradition of storytelling, pairing guitar-led compositions with contemporary influences.
Its songs reflect on personal experience and the lessons that shape people’s lives, while keeping the traditional elements associated with the genre.
Lead single and featured artists#
The lead single, ‘Ngifuna Wena’, features South African artists MaWhoo and Mjolisi. The track deals with love, reconciliation and the possibility of rebuilding a relationship after past difficulties. Zimnike’s guitar arrangements sit alongside Mjolisi’s vocals and MaWhoo’s soulful delivery.
Other collaborations include:
- Mjolisi on ‘Umlabalaba Wothando’
- Njabulo Langa on ‘Nganginganqabile’
- Gatsheni on ‘Dlala Ngibone’
Falabo, Sminofu, Mnyovu, Somtwana, Shilisi and Kwazi Nsele also appear on the project.
Career and background#
Known as Uthisha Wentambo, meaning ‘The Teacher of the Guitar’, Zimnike is a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, composer, songwriter and producer. He started out under the mentorship of maskandi musician Umqgumeni iBhova, first working as a dancer before developing his skills as a guitarist and performer.
Beyond his solo recordings, he has produced and collaborated with artists including Mthandeni SK, Menzi, Izingane Zoma, Khuzani, Mjolisi and Gatsheni. His earlier solo albums are:
- Isikole Sengoma (2017)
- Hamba Fish (2020)
- Bangihlinza Ngiphila (2023)
- Sibambane Ngezandla (2025), which featured Mthandeni SK and Ntante Mmala
Zimnike also performs with his maskandi group, Ama AK47.
Digital Maskandi project and credits#
In 2026, he took part in Durban Media House’s Digital Maskandi Vol. 1 project, appearing on ‘Pain’ with Jesse Clegg and ‘Joburg’ with Shwi Mantombazane. The project brought maskandi together with artists from other South African musical styles.
On Iksasa Alaziwa, Zimnike is credited with lead guitar, lead and backing vocals, composition and production. He worked with producer Mthethwa Njoko, bassist Celumusa Zuma, concertina players Thuthani Ndlovu and Mashansi Mjiyakho, and keyboardist Jay Jay Mbuthuma. Recording took place at Emandleni Studio and Takk Studio.
The album brings together long-standing collaborators and performers from different generations, while keeping the guitar arrangements and storytelling traditions at the core of Zimnike’s music.
