Ringo Madlingozi blends classic with modern in new album Ikhwelo

News24

30-04-2025

Ringo Mandlingozi returns to the music scene with Ikhwelo, a heartfelt album tackling themes of love, unity, and hope for the nation.
The musician worked alongside young producers to create a blend of classic sound and modern influences, redefining his artistry.
The album delivers strong messages about pressing social issues and the importance of self-reflection.
Legendary musician Ringo Mandlingozi is back with a brand-new album, Ikhwelo, marking his return to music after years of performing timeless classics that fans still request and love today.
He stood his ground in 1998 when he was told his hit song Sondela was not suited for the times they were in because he chose a different genre and sound, going against the grain. However, he stuck to his guns, trusting his intuition and gift, which have been a guiding compass in his music journey.
On Thursday night, the musician hosted a few guests for a listening session of his 15-track album, which was released on Friday.
Ringo told News24 he felt that he needed to reflect on the current times through his new album and offer messages of love, unity, self-growth, and hope during challenging periods.
He added:
Ikhwelo is a call for redirection. It's about restoring dignity, spreading love, and remembering that we're all connected. I hope listeners feel inspired to self-reflect and to embrace love, not just romantic love, but love that builds communities and unites us as a nation.
Inspired by the late legendary American record producer and composer Quincy Jones' philosophy of only releasing music when you have something meaningful to say, Ringo emphasised the importance of music carrying a meaningful message and documenting significant life moments for future generations.
"I've been performing my classic songs for years, and people still love them, but I realised there was more I wanted to share. Every time I performed, I wished to introduce new songs and stories and reflect our current times," he said.
"Ikhwelo is about love - for ourselves and for each other. It also reflects the challenges we face as a country, but with solutions and hope. We need music that reflects the times and carries a meaningful message for future generations."
This album demonstrates Ringo's growth, blending his distinctive sound with fresh interpretations from working with young producers and artists.
"I had to let go of my old ways and welcome new approaches while still holding onto the vision of my music," he shared.
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"They've studied music in ways I never did, and their ideas were refreshing. While I allowed them to interpret my vision, I made sure the music stayed connected to my core sound.
"Growth is important - I can't follow trends or mimic what's current. My approach has always been about creating something timeless and meaningful, and that hasn't changed."
The result is a refined sound that balances the essence of classic Ringo with innovative elements - a journey he calls both exhilarating and necessary for creative evolution.
"As a musician, every day inspires a song. Conversations, experiences, and new ideas always find their way into my writing," he said.
"For this album, I wanted to go beyond traditional love songs to speak about self-love, gender-based violence, unity, and many South Africans' struggles. It's a mix because life has many textures, and I've tried to capture all of them in this body of work."
Reflecting on South Africa's evolving music industry, Ringo praised the creative strides younger musicians are making. From groundbreaking genres like amapiano to preserving traditional sounds like maskandi, he said he admired how South African music production was now on par with global standards. He also noted how digital platforms had transformed music distribution, presenting exciting new opportunities and challenges compared to the days of physical albums.
"It's exciting to see this innovation, but I remind artists of the importance of strategy and creating music that resonates beyond the moment," he said.
With this body of work, he aims to rekindle the spirit of love and self-reflection. As he puts it: "We need to get our dignity back, look at each other as brothers and sisters, and hold on to hope as a nation."