Phendula
2013 studio album by Zahara
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Phendula (Xhosa: "Answer") is the second studio album by South African singer Zahara. It was released by TS Records on September 13, 2013. The album's production was primarily handled by Robbie Malinga and Mojalefa Thebe. Phendula features guest appearances from Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Anele & Neliswa, Mzwakhe Mbuli, Mukengerwa Tresor Riziki, and 2face Idibia.[1] It was supported by the singles "Phendula", "Impilo", and "Stay".[2] Upon release, the album was made available for purchase on iTunes and Musica.[1][3]
| Phendula | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | September 13, 2013 | |||
| Recorded | 2012–13 | |||
| Studio | KZN Studios, Greyville, Durban | |||
| Genre | Afro-soul | |||
| Length | 60:05 | |||
| Label | TS Records | |||
| Producer |
| |||
| Zahara chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Singles from Phendula | ||||
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Background
In an interview with The Herald's Yoliswa Sobuwa, Zahara said she was excited about the album and expects her fans to love it because of her vocal growth and songwriting skills. She also said the lead single and title track, "Phendula", is about seeking answers from God for the eradication of human suffering.[4]
The album was recorded at KZN Studios in Greyville and mastered at TS Records studios in Joburg.[5] Zahara told You magazine that she planned on shooting a live DVD for Phendula and will invite guest acts who appeared on the project to perform with her.[6] TruFm reported that Phendula went platinum after being on the market for seven days.[7] Moreover, it went double platinum and sold over 100,000 copies after two weeks.[8]
Singles
The title track, "Phendula", was released on September 6, 2013, as the album's lead single. Its music video was uploaded to YouTube on September 27, 2013.
"Impilo" was released on November 1, 2013, as the album's second single. The accompanying music video for the song features cameo appearances from TS Records dignitaries, and was uploaded to YouTube at a total length of 3 minutes and 48 seconds.[9]
The album's third single, "Stay", features vocals by Nigerian singer 2face Idibia. In an interview with newspaper Sunday Sun, Zahara described the song as a melodic track about love.[10][11] Zahara and 2face recorded the song after being in the studio for 5 hours.[12]
The Phendula tour
| Tour by Zahara | |
| Associated album | Phendula |
|---|---|
| Start date | September 27, 2013 |
| End date | December 8, 2013 |
| No. of shows | 11 |
To celebrate the album's release, Zahara and her management team put together the Phendula Tour, which was sponsored by Nedbank and supported by Drum Magazine, Cape Argus, Vukani, and Metro FM.[5][13]
| Date | City | Country | Venue | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Africa | ||||
| September 27, 2013 | Cape Town | South Africa | Cape Town ICC | [5][13] |
| October 3, 2013 | Gauteng | Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City | ||
| October 4, 2013 | ||||
| October 11, 2013 | Polokwane | Meropa Casino | ||
| October 18, 2013 | Pretoria | Tshwane State Theatre | ||
| November 1, 2013 | East London | Orient Theatre | ||
| November 8, 2013 | Durban | Durban City Hall | ||
| November 9, 2013 | Newcastle | Newcastle Show Hall | ||
| November 22, 2013 | Mahikeng | Mmabatho Convention Centre | ||
| November 29, 2013 | Mangaung | Bloemfontein Show Grounds | ||
| December 8, 2013 | Port Elizabeth | Boardwalk Casino | ||
Critical reception
Phendula received positive reviews from music critics. Swagger Magazine awarded the album a 91.8 rating out of 100, praising Zahara's musicianship and voice. The magazine also the album's songs for being "deeper and more thoughtful than typical pop".[14]
Accolades
Phendula was nominated for Best African Pop Album at the 2014 Metro FM Music Awards.[15] It won Best Selling Album and Best RnB, Soul and Reggae at the 20th Annual SAMAs.[16]
Track listing
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Rise Again" |
| 4:07 |
| 2. | "Phendula" | Mkutukana | 4:29 |
| 3. | "Impilo" | Mkutukana | 5:20 |
| 4. | "Indlela Yam'" | Mkutukana | 4:06 |
| 5. | "Bhekile" | Mkutukana | 4:10 |
| 6. | "Okwami Ngokwakho" | Mkutukana | 5:00 |
| 7. | "Umongameli" | Mkutukana | 3:13 |
| 8. | "Iphupha" | Mkutukana | 4:18 |
| 9. | "Bomi Endibaziyo" (featuring Anele & Neliswa) | Mkutukana | 4:05 |
| 10. | "Limisa" (featuring Mukengerwa Tresor Riziki) |
| 4:27 |
| 11. | "Mandela" (featuring Mzwakhe Mbuli) | Mkutukana | 3:38 |
| 12. | "Brighter Day" |
| 5:30 |
| 13. | "My Story" | Mkutukana | 3:42 |
| 14. | "Stay" (featuring 2 Face Idibia) |
| 3:53 |
| Total length: | 60:05 | ||
Personnel
- Bulelwa Mkutukana – primary artist, writer
- Ladysmith Black Mambazo – featured artists, writers
- Anele & Neliswa – featured artist
- Mzwakhe Mbuli – featured artist
- Mukengerwa Tresor Riziki – featured artist
- Robbie Malinga – producer
- Mojalefa Thebe – producer
Release history
| Region | Date | Format | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | September 13, 2013 | CD, Digital download | TS Records |