Okmalumkoolkat has confirmed that his long-awaited album iTheku eThekwini will be released on 15 October 2026, ending a years-long wait for the South African artist’s next full-length project.
Announcement and artwork#
He shared the date on Instagram with a layered visual that combines Moses Mabhida Stadium, golden beaches, Zulu dancers and other Durban imagery. The collage reflects the city’s cultural and creative identity, and the post carried the date “15/10/2026”.
Album background and early tracks#
The project has been teased for several years. Okmalumkoolkat has said the album was shaped by a complex period between 2020 and 2025, and he previously described it as one of his most challenging bodies of work.
The music was intended to capture the weight, information and changing realities of those years. He chose not to rush the record to meet festive-season expectations.
Two tracks already released from the project are “Into Yabantu Ababili” and “Soon As I Land”, which features Tony Dayimane. The songs continue his blend of futuristic hip-hop, experimental sounds and Durban’s cultural energy.
Fan response and catalogue context#
The announcement drew immediate reaction from supporters, with comments filled with fire emojis, dancing stickers and celebratory messages. Fans referenced Spova Gang and “Gqom Believe” in response to the news.
iTheku eThekwini follows Mlazi Milano, a gold-certified album released in 2016, and uShukela eTiyeni, released in 2022, along with a series of experimental singles and EPs.
The album title is rooted in Durban, the city that has remained central to Okmalumkoolkat’s creative identity. It is scheduled for release on 15 October 2026.
