Four South African artists have released new projects, according to IOL. They are Maali, Jabulile Majola, Myra Gold and FKA Mash.
The releases include an EP, two debut albums and a second album. They cover toxic relationships, growth, identity and creative freedom.
Singer-songwriter Maali released his three-track EP, “Damage You Demanded”, on September 24. The project looks at toxic relationships and what they teach.
“The idea that toxic relationships can sometimes be double-sided,” he told IOL. “Yes, you can be with someone prone to self-destruction, but choosing to stay with them makes you at fault for how you feel at the end of the day. It’s two sides of the same coin.”
Maali is known for moving between R&B, pop, Afro-inspired sounds and alternative pop. He said the EP came from “a series of fortunately unfortunate events.”
He said relationships that did not bring him joy taught him to love and care for himself. The project also includes music videos, fashion, a listening party and merchandise.
“This project allowed me to become more and understand how much more I have to become,” Maali said.
Jabulile Majola released his debut album, “Ipasi”, on September 11. It follows his earlier debut EP, “Isitifiketi”. The album is about growth, change and how his views on life keep shifting.
“‘Isitifiketi’ came with a lot of newness and change, as well as challenges, and I’ve learned a lot about myself on this journey,” Majola said.
He said the album title points to the changes every person goes through. “I’d say that it represents my ever-evolving perspective on life as I live and grow in real time,” he said.
Majola said he hopes his music gives people hope to keep going, even in hard times.
Singer-songwriter Myra Gold has released “Alchemy”, her seven-track second album. It deals with identity, self-worth and creative freedom. Gold called the inspiration behind it “the magic of becoming”.
“I wanted to explore what happens when life transforms you, and you learn that the gold you’re searching for has been within you all along,” she said.
“‘Alchemy’ is me learning to surrender without losing myself. It’s about embracing every version of me: the lessons, the scars, and the softness, and turning it all into gold,” Gold said.
DJ and producer FKA Mash released his debut album, “EXITECHNO”, on September 25. The album mixes deep, soulful techno with new production ideas.
“‘EXITECHNO’ is a love letter to the electronic music I grew up listening to,” he said.
FKA Mash said growing up in Soweto shaped his sound. “Soweto has this undeniable feeling of authenticity,” he said. He added that hearing new kinds of music there for the first time stayed with him.
He has worked with artists such as Dave DK and Nduduzo Makhathini. He said this taught him to stay true to himself.
“It really taught me the importance of having and sticking to my own lane. I enjoy being different,” FKA Mash said.
Source: this article is based on reporting by IOL Entertainment. Image: IOL Entertainment. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Entertainment desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Rirhandzu Baloyi writes about entertainment for Tzaneen Voice. Rirhandzu covers South African music, film, TV, streaming, awards and celebrity news, from amapiano and local soapies to Showmax and Netflix releases. Stories stick to what happened, who was involved and when fans can watch or listen.