UMngomezulu transforms struggle into rhythm with powerful new EP

The Star

08-05-2025

Masabata Mkwananzi | Published 7 hours ago
After making waves with his acclaimed EP The Healing Process , South African house maestro UMngomezulu returns with Turning Pain into Music, a raw, soul-stirring 7-track journey that transforms personal struggle into rhythmic healing, delivering both emotional depth and undeniable groove.
Hailing from KwaZulu-Natal, Thulasizwe Mngomezulu, known professionally as UMngomezulu, is carving out a name for himself as one of South Africa's most emotionally resonant Deep House producers.
His journey into music began in 2009 after completing a Music Production Certificate at the Soul Candi Institute of Music, where he discovered a calling: to translate life's emotions into rhythm and sound.
The muso is also the founder of Something Emotional Recordings and has earned recognition on major platforms, landing on Apple Music's top playlists such as Mzansi Hits and Mzansi House. His previous EP, The Healing Process , was met with widespread acclaim, praised for its soulful depth and emotional storytelling, earning a place among the top dance releases.
Now, he returns with his EP, a project that reflects how he processes adversity through melody, rhythm, and feeling.
He shared that his music is a vessel for healing, a way to transform heavy emotions into something meaningful, not just for himself, but for listeners, too. For him, the act of creating music during difficult times is a form of release, a way of turning inner turmoil into shared emotional clarity.
"The title reflects how I deal with personal struggles. Everyone has their way of healing, mine is through creating music. Whenever I'm going through something heavy, I pour those emotions into my production. It's my way of turning something painful into something meaningful and healing, not just for me, but for others too."
UMngomezulu also opened up about the making of Ndizokulinda, the lead single from the EP, which features the talents of Cnethemba Gonelo and Brandon Dhludhlu.
Having collaborated with both artists separately in the past, he felt drawn to bringing their voices together on this project. He explained that Cnethemba has a unique ability to respond emotionally to his chord progressions, while Brandon's vocal tone added the perfect finishing touch.
'I've always admired their energy. When Cnethemba heard the instrumental, she wrote the lyrics on the spot. It was spiritual. I immediately thought of Brandon, and bringing them together just felt right. The result is a deeply emotional song that speaks to the heart of the project,' he said.
He also describes his sound as a fusion of soulful textures and deep, immersive rhythms. Reflecting on the influences that shaped his journey, he credits both local pioneers and global icons for expanding his musical palette.
'I grew up on compilations like DJ Fresh's House Flava, Oskido's Church Grooves, and Vinny Da Vinci's Deep House Sounds, Those albums opened the door to legends like Osunlade, Rocco, Kerri Chandler, and Manoo. These days, I gravitate toward Melodic, Progressive, and Organic House, and I love merging those global sounds with local vocals to create something that feels truly South African,' he shared.
UMngomezulu cited his inclusion on major playlists like Mzansi Hits as a key highlight of his career.
'It was a big moment for me,' he explained. 'Making it onto those playlists gave me exposure I didn't expect and reminded me that people connect with emotional music. It's encouraging to see my sound reaching more people and building a stronger fan base,' he added.
The muso also expressed his hope that listeners experience a sense of healing through his new EP, saying the project is meant to connect emotionally and remind people they're not alone in their struggles.
"I want listeners to feel like they've gone on a healing journey. Each song tells a different story. Ndizokulinda is about waiting and love, Emazweni is a relatable love song, and the opening instrumental reflects where my journey began.
''Songs like Mirror Mirror and Nkanyezi celebrate women's strength and remind them of their worth. Overall, it's about connecting, healing, and reminding people they're not alone in what they're feeling," UMngomezulu said.
The EP is scheduled for release on May 16, with the emotive lead single Ndizokulinda, featuring Cnethemba Gonelo and Brandon Dhludhlu, set to drop on May 9.
Watch the video here: https://rumble.com/v6t4h4z-umngomezulu-transforms-struggle-into-rhythm-with-powerful-new-ep.html
The Star
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