Uhuru (Swahili: freedom) were a South African musical group best known for producing the hit single "Khona" performed by Mafikizolo.[1] Signed to Kalawa Jazmee, the band consisted of Nqobile Mahlanu (Mapiano), Sihle Dlalisisa (DJ Clap), Xelimpilo Simelane (Xeli) and Themba Sekowe (DJ Maphorisa).[2] Independently, Uhuru is best known for hit remixes like "Y-tjukutja" and "The Sound".[3]
Uhuru | |
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Also known as |
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Genres | |
Years active | 2012–2016 |
Labels | Kalawa Jazmee Records |
Past members |
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Website | uhurumusic |
Background
Prior to collaborating in 2012, Mapiano and Xeli were friends who were into playing contemporary African jazz in Soshanguve where they originated from.[4] The band members were signed through DJ Clap who was already an artiste signed to Kalawa Jazmee Records.[5] Uhuru manages artwork and production in house as DJ Clap, Mapiano and Xeli mainly act as DJ, pianist and vocalist respectively.[6]
Career
Uhuru shot into limelight in 2013 after the release of the chart-topping single titled "Y-tjukutja", which went on to be dubbed as the song of the year for 2013 in South Africa.[7] The producers also featured in "Khona", a song which topped many music charts and won several awards in South Africa and beyond including the 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards.[8] In 2015, the collaborating artists undertook solo ambitions.[9] By 2016, the Uhuru brand underwent serious challenges and incorporated a new face.[10] Later in 2016, Uhuru released "Own Devices", "The Sound (Remix)" and Free Prophecy, Vol 1. under new management, putting to rest rumoured band break-ups.[11]
Band members
Current roster
- (Uhuru is no longer active).
Former acts
- DJ Maphorisa
- DJ Clap
- Mapiano
- Xelimpilo
Discography
Selected singles
![]() | This list of songs or music-related items is incomplete; you can help by adding missing items. (August 2015) |
- "Pata Pata" (2012)
- "Work" (2012)
- "Pepe" (2012)
- "Not Yet Uhuru" (2012)
- "Umraro" (2012)
- "Follow" (2012)
- "Ketsetse" (2013)
- "Thathi Sgubhu" (2013)
- "Ungowami" (2013)
- "Sweety Mabhebeza" (2013)
- "Y-tjukutja" (2013)
- "Raindrops" (2014)
- "Nne" (2014)
- "Kumi Na Mbili" (2014)
- "Kumi Na Tatu" (2014)
- "Nane" (2014)
- "Kumi" (2014)
- "Unity ina Diversity" (2015)
- "Duze" (2015)
- "Shoota Babylone (2015)
- "Circles" (2015)
As featured artists
![]() | This list of songs or music-related items is incomplete; you can help by adding missing items. (August 2015) |
- "Khona" – Mafikizolo ft. Uhuru (2013)
- "Speaker" – Professor ft. Oskido and Uhuru
- "Move" – Becca ft. Uhuru (2014)
- "Nakupenda" – Mafikizolo ft. Uhuru (2014)
- "Komolop Cholop" – MC Galaxy ft. Uhuru (2015)
- "The Sound" – Davido ft. Uhuru (2015)
- "The Banger" – Runtown ft. Uhuru (2015)
- "The Sound (Remix)" – Davido ft. G-Eazy and Uhuru (2016)
Albums
- Symbiose (2006)
- Not Yet (2012)
- Our Father (2013)
- Safari (2014)
- Free Prophecy, Vol 1. (2016)
Awards and nominations
See also
References
External links
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