Latest news with #iThembaLam
TimesLIVE
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
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.'
The Citizen
09-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Sobzeen launches debut album years after ghostwriting hits
The 11-track album, 'iThemba Lam', was released on Friday, 8 August. DJ and producer Sobzeen, born Zakhele Mbuyisa, has finally released his debut album following years of ghostwriting and producing for other artists. The 11-track album, titled iThemba Lam, was released on Friday, 8 August. Speaking to The Citizen, Sobzeen said being a ghostwriter and producer was never part of his plans. 'I never wanted to be a ghostwriter. It just happened because of people's actions. I always wanted to do my own thing. I was making music for my name to be known, to become a major artist,' he said. Sobzeen has worked with numerous upcoming artists and renowned DJs, including DJ Stokie. He said going solo had been both challenging and rewarding. 'When you're used to being under someone's wing and suddenly everything falls on you, it's hard. You have to oversee every decision. Even when releasing a song, you worry about how people will receive it,' he said. ALSO READ: Pastor Mboro on club appearances, debut album and spreading the word Blend of gospel and Amapiano Sobzeen said the album's title, meaning 'My Hope', reflects his desire to claim his own story. His sound blends gospel and Amapiano, a style he calls Hope Amapiano. 'It's a mix of warm melodies with messages of strength and resilience. It's about faith being an anchor during tough times,' Sobzeen said. Released under the new label Solid Sound, iThemba Lam features collaborations with 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. NOW READ: Concerts where you can celebrate Women's Day today around Joburg
