Latest news with #Isiphithiphithi
The Citizen
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Samthing Soweto on finally being able to open up to his fans on his new album
Samthing's previous albums have all been personal to some extent; however, this one takes listeners on a trip into his childhood. Samthing Soweto released his third studio album, Touch is a Move (Good Morning), a month ago, and unlike his previous work, this project lets his listeners into his world in ways he previously hadn't. 'If I was closed off, part of the reason is that I exist in a very tough industry and I felt that I had to. Now, if I'm opening up, it's only because I've found a way to deal with it. The best way to deal with it is to keep the main thing the main thing,' Samthing tells The Citizen. His previous albums have all been personal to some extent; however, this one takes listeners on a trip into his childhood in Soweto. ALSO READ: Samthing Soweto serenades fans with intimate Twitter Spaces performance Samthing closing off himself He says he was closed off because he didn't trust the industry as a whole. 'The music industry is a very tough place to be in. It's tough to exist and to be happy and to be open in an industry for an artist,' he says. With nearly two decades as a professional musician now, Samthing has somewhat found a balance in being able to exercise his artistry while also handling fame. 'I'm a very practical person and, as an artist, I feel like sometimes that is not expected of me,' he says. 'They actually expect me to be very artistic in everything, including my decisions and to be passionate and to just be propelled by 'the spirit'. And I do have my fair share of passions, but some of my creative decisions are not propelled by passion alone.' He says the element of entertainment has played a part in his decision to do this album now. 'They [decisions] are also propelled by wanting to make content that most people will like. Because there is nothing more painful than doing something for an audience and they don't resonate with it.' ALSO READ: Samthing Soweto's 'Isphithiphithi' makes Apple Music history An idealist with a practical outlook His above statement holds. Samthing came into the industry as a member of an a cappella group, The Soil. He then released music as part of a trio, The Fridge, and also released music as a solo artist. His music with The Fridge and his earlier solo work is the kind that a bohemian audience is fond of, not so much the widespread audience of Amapiano, which he instantly attracted when he released Isiphithiphithi in 2019. Songs like I'm Feeling Down and Dreamin' of U are worlds apart from hits like Lotto and Akulaleki. However, despite their sonic differences, Samthing's gentle, infectious voice and shrewd artistic genius are a mainstay in his music, regardless of the tempo or genre. If he were a cricketer, Samthing would be an all-rounder in the class of Jacques Kallis: lethal with the hits as a prime fast bowler and grounded in the art, as a purist Test batsman. 'I felt like telling a very practical story about my life would be very interesting for my audience. I do understand that I don't give them a lot to work with sometimes, I leave a lot to imagination.' 'So ja, I felt like maybe people might be interested in finding out what it felt like for me to be a five-year-old and to live my life at the time. To be honest, that's a story I often tell to people that are close to me.' ALSO READ: Mango Groove brings its 40th anniversary party to Jozi after an 'overwhelming' response in Cape Town Radio element Interludes in albums are nothing new, but for this album, Samthing roped in former Ukhozi FM radio drama producer Mpumelelo Ngidi. 'Through her help and her sitting down with me and understanding that I often talk about my past, she was able to build a version of my story for me that I could use in the music,' says Samthing. Through the seven interludes on the album, listeners are given a seat in the Mdolomba household. From the snoring of his uncle on Goodmorning, to him bickering with his sisters about wanting to watch TV, it is a world that his fans didn't know of. The most adorable of the skits on the album is probably Goodnight, where we're inside the family's nightly prayer. What makes it adorable and humorous is hearing a young Samthing listing his trivial prayer requests and his granny praying for everything and everyone that comes to her mind. 'I did have a granny who prayed long, who prayed about everything that we were going through in the 90s, from politics, to churches… everything and anything she knew about she would mention in the prayer. We'd start as the whole family praying together but for the next 15 minutes she'll go on by herself,' shares Samthing. ALSO READ: Wedding bells for Maskandi star Khuzani Mpungose A love album and a personal story He says the first draft of the interludes was to create a story based on love. 'Mpumelelo listened to the music and decided that she'd create a story about how these two [lovers] met. It was a nice telenovela type [of] story,' says the muso. 'How I did it was to reflect the connection between love stories of a man my age with my challenges, my life story my day-to-day and my past as a child.' 'The person that I am today is because of the things that happened in my past. Through her [Mpumelelo] help I was able to piece together a story that would make sense that could be used to marry the two concepts, a love album and a personal story.' His words are echoed by the eighth track on the album, Amagents, which is an ode to his daughter, where he warns her about some of the dangers of men – men who are like him. One of the better songs on the album, Ndandatho, is a song that Samthing heard being sung by a singer on TikTok, Sicelo, who is homeless. 'He came up with that song; I saw it on TikTok on a video. He was singing that song on the streets of Pietermaritzburg for money, he was basically basking. That melody never escaped me; from the time I heard it sounded amazing.' Sicelo is credited as the co-writer of the song, under his full name Sphelele Zondi. On the legal side of things, Samthing sourced the help of RAMS Attorneys. 'Samthing Soweto is a long-standing client of the firm,' RAMS Attorneys told The Citizen. RAMS Attorneys provided legal services to Samthing in negotiation and closing of agreements with producers, features, distributors, and publishing-related aspects. The firm didn't want to comment on the dispute between their client and DJ Maphorisa, where there were allegations of unpaid royalties, misrepresentation of contributions, and a lack of transparency in their working relationship regarding the song Amalanga Awafani. NOW READ: WATCH: Modise Sekgothe, a poet equipped in the exercise of digging deep and baring himself naked
IOL News
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Samthing Soweto thanks fans with ‘Deda' release and exciting new album announcement
Samthing Soweto released his single, 'Deda', and announced that he will also be releasing an album in July. Image: Instagram Musical sensation Samthing Soweto, real name Samkelo Mdolomba, has fulfilled his promise to fans with the long-awaited release of his single "Deda". The track, which has been buzzing on social media for over two years, has finally made its debut on streaming platforms across South Africa, much to the delight of his devoted followers. In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Mdolomba expressed gratitude towards his supporters, acknowledging their unwavering loyalty during his period of silence. 'Ngiyabonga (Thank you) to everyone who stood by me while I was silent. Even when I stopped posting, you kept my name alive, making my song ideas trend like full releases. That gave me the courage to keep going,' he shared, demonstrating a deep appreciation for the connection he has with his fans. Adding to the excitement, Soweto announced that he would follow up this release with a new album titled "Touch Is a Move: Good Morning" on July 4. 'I've been moving around South Africa, working with many incredible people like Producer/Musician @John Lundun and my co-writer on this song, @Anzo, to shape this and the album that follows. But it starts here, with #Deda,' he emphasised, expressing his determination to bring fresh sounds to the industry. Closing his message with the uplifting phrase, 'Mabudede ubumnyama buvele ukukhanya! (May darkness fade and the light come forth),' he reinforced his artistic vision and resilience. However, the past year has not been without its challenges for Soweto. The artist found himself embroiled in a public spat with amapiano heavyweight DJ Maphorisa over the credits for the song "Amalanga Awafani". Fans raised eyebrows at the absence of Soweto's name from the credits, which ignited heated discussions across social media platforms. The disagreement stemmed from a contentious dispute over master rights, leaving Soweto feeling overlooked. In an unexpected turn, Soweto admitted to misrepresenting Maphorisa's contributions to his successful 2019 album "Isiphithiphithi", stating, 'I lied about Maphorisa's contributions to my project. He didn't produce anything.' Reflecting on his past decisions, he confessed that his dishonesty was rooted in insecurity; he believed aligning himself with Maphorisa would bolster his record sales. He later acknowledged that it was actually Kabza De Small, Howard, and Mas Musiq who were responsible for 60% of the album's production. This strategy may have yielded short-term gains, but ultimately cost him his creative rights and dignity. The release of 'Deda' has evoked poignant reactions among fans, who have rallied around Soweto. Their sentiments were evident in the comments section of his post. @creativ_ally9 remarked, 'DEDA hits differently with me. I used it when I was preparing my son's UMGIDI. Very special indeed. You are special,' while @_ulola reflected on Soweto's journey, sharing, 'I love the cover because it embraces his journey ❤️.' @queenlizbaloyi said: 'Already pre-added your album on Apple Music 🥺🫂 Thank you for not being discouraged. They can talk, but they can never deny your talent. You are a gift and a national treasure ❤️🙏🏾.' While @miss_fundi said: 'We stood with you when you chose to leave the soil, loved and supported you way back then; nothing can ever make us back down. Thank you for not giving up ♥️ we won't give up on you ♥️.' Clearly, the artist's story resonates strongly with his audience, which has only intensified their support. As fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming album and continue to celebrate "Deda", it becomes clear that Samthing Soweto's journey embodies the triumph of resilience through adversity. Despite the challenges faced, his unwavering commitment to his craft shines through, keeping the spirit of South African music alive and thriving.
IOL News
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Samthing Soweto ends the wait: ‘Deda' release date announced after two long years
Samthing Soweto has announced the release of his highly anticipated single, 'Deda'. Image: Instagram After two years of intense speculation and fervent public demand, South African singer-songwriter Samthing Soweto has announced the release of his highly anticipated single, "Deda". In a heartfelt address to fans, the musician took to the social media platform TikTok, confirming that the song will drop on Friday, 30 May. 'I just wanted to say that this Friday, we are dropping Deda,' Soweto said in his video, marking a significant moment for fans who have been longing for this release. "Deda" has been a topic of conversation in the South African music scene for some time, with the song trending on social media back in March, despite its unavailability on music streaming platforms. The unreleased amapiano track saw a leak in August 2023, heightening anticipation among supporters. The composition itself has been described as a deeply moving spiritual piece that transcends the typical dancefloor vibe, emanating as 'a prayer in rhythm, a soul cry wrapped in melody.' It speaks to themes of divine protection, love, and the unseen forces that guide our lives. The decision to release "Deda" comes in response to months of public outcry among fans who have repeatedly requested that he debut the highly anticipated track. In his announcement, Soweto expressed gratitude for fans' patience with a poignant message: 'It's here, it's finally here, thank you everyone for your patience. 🖤🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦' Reactions poured in from netizens, expressing a mix of excitement and cheeky frustration. One user, @intombi_yasemgazini, quipped, 'Why did we wait so long? Genuine question…' Another user, @b0k12fly, humorously added, 'Finally, you're the boss of gatekeeping for two years 😭😭😭😭😭.' As fans rallied their collective eagerness, @longlivekingv demanded, 'And the album? I mean it's been years! You owe us 🫵🏾😭!' Meanwhile, @linomta.t stated, 'We've been fighting for that song 😭😭 finally.' Last year, Soweto found himself in a public dispute with amapiano producer DJ Maphorisa regarding the credits for the song "Amalanga Awafani". Fans highlighted that his name was absent from the credits, sparking heated discussions on social media. The conflict arose from a disagreement over master rights, leaving him feeling sidelined. He later admitted to lying about DJ Maphorisa's contributions to his 2019 album "Isiphithiphithi", stating, 'I lied about Maphorisa's contributions to my project. He didn't produce anything.' Soweto explained that his dishonesty stemmed from insecurity, as he believed that being associated with Maphorisa would enhance his record sales. He also acknowledged that Kabza De Small, Howard, and Mas Musiq were responsible for 60% of the album's production. While this strategy initially boosted his sales, Soweto expressed regret, stating it cost him both his creative rights and dignity.
