4 days ago
Sobzeen pours his heart out on new album ‘iThemba Lam'
DJ and producer Sobzeen, real name Zakhele Mbuyisa, is no longer hiding behind the scenes. The uncredited musical mind behind many hits has stepped into the spotlight, pouring his soul into his debut album iThemba Lam, released on August 8.
The launch was held at Azur on Monarch in Sandton last week.
The event, hosted by Yano Lyrics presenter Mars, brought out some heavy hitters including singer Vusi Nova, amapiano curator Thulani Way, Big Brothe r star Lerato Modise, radio host Kamo Moth and Prophet Mboro, who made a grand entrance flanked by five bodyguards.
Sobzeen spoke candidly about his journey, the hardships of navigating the music industry, and the inspiration behind iThemba Lam, a deeply personal and genre-blending 11 track project he described as 'gospel piano.'
'I've made many hits I have not been credited for. Now it's time to show my skill,' he told guests.
'The project is spiritual and wholesome. It's for the mature ear, but also speaks to the young person.'
The album released under his new label Solid Sound features a diverse line-up of collaborators including Pale Moloi, Russell Zuma, Youme, Stu, Deep London, Zee_nhle, Casey Ntuli, Dr Thulz, Mr Maker, DJ Stokie, Mashudu, BusiGold, Nele SA, Msongi, Happy Jazzman,and Gontse Levati.
Fusing the uplifting elements of gospel with the rhythm of amapiano, Sobzeen introduces what he calls 'hope amapiano'.
'It's a mix of warm melodies portraying messages of strength and resilience. iThemba Lam reinforces the idea that even in hard times, faith can serve as an anchor,' he said.
The album artwork is a visual featuring broken chains and a cross.
'The chain represents every contract that restricted me and each credit I was denied. The cross symbolises the hope that sustained me throughout my journey.'
