South African singer, songwriter and producer MUSA has released UHAMBO, his latest album, through David Gresham Records.
The Afro-pop and soul record examines personal growth, relationships and lived experience, shifting across sounds and moods to mirror different stages of his journey.
“It’s a journey, it takes you wherever you want to go, because the album doesn’t sound the same,” MUSA said.
He described the project as a more mature phase of his career, shaped by experiences that have influenced both his music and his life.
“It’s more grown, and it tells the different journeys I’ve travelled to get to where I am now,” he said.
Recording and collaborations#
Recording for UHAMBO took place over roughly six to seven months at David Gresham Records’ Woodmead studio complex in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The album includes collaborations with the Soweto Gospel Choir, Thapelo Esua, Lawi, Bongani and Maraza, among others.
“It was a different experience,” MUSA said. “I’ve worked with different people in terms of songwriting. Best way to explain it, it was fun.”
Previous releases and career#
The album follows four studio projects:
- The Dream (2013)
- Mr Serious (2016)
- MUSA (2018)
- Backroom (2022)
MUSA first gained wide attention after winning the ninth season of Idols SA, South Africa’s Idols competition, in 2013. Since then, he has won a South African Traditional Music Awards (SATMA) award and received nominations at the South African Music Awards and South Africa’s Metro FM Awards.
His catalogue also includes work with Ntsika Ngxanga of The Soil, Kwesta, the Jaziel Brothers and producer Lawrence Matshiza. He has recorded music honouring late South African musicians Hugh Masekela, Tshepo Tshola and his former mentor Robbie Malinga.
Label background#
David Gresham Records, the label behind UHAMBO, was founded in 1970 by radio and television personality David Gresham. The company has worked with South African acts including Prime Circle, Jesse Clegg, Connell Cruise and Slikour, and with international names such as Janet Jackson, Nickelback and Tiësto.
The release extends a career of more than a decade, with MUSA using UHAMBO to examine changes in his personal life and artistic direction.
