Uhuru (band)
South African music band
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Uhuru (Swahili: freedom) were a South African musical band 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]
- Manyora a Muzik
- Originators
Uhuru | |
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| Also known as |
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| Genres | |
| Years active | 2012–2016 |
| Label | 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", in part featuring Oskido and Angolan singer Yuri da Cunha, 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- (Uhuru is no longer active).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
- "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
- "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
- "Quem Ti Mandou" by Lizha James featuring Uhuru nominated for Most Gifted Female Video at the 2014 Channel O Music Video Awards
- "Y-Tjukutja" nominated for Most Gifted Duo/Group or Featuring Video at the 2014 Channel O Music Video Awards
- "Ngoku" by Busiswa featuring Oskido and Uhuru won Most Gifted Dance Video at the 2014 Channel O Music Video Awards
- "Y-Tjukutja" nominated for Most Gifted Dance Video at the 2014 Channel O Music Video Awards
- "Y-Tjukutja" won Most Gifted Kwaito Video at the 2014 Channel O Music Video Awards
- Nominated for African Artist of the Year (Non-Nigerian) at the 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards
- Nominated for Best New Act at the MTV Africa Music Awards 2014
- "Y-Tjukutja" won Best Collaboration at the MTV Africa Music Awards 2014
- Nominated for Artist of the Year at the MTV Africa Music Awards 2014
- "Khona" by Mafikizolo featuring Uhuru won Song of the Year at the MTV Africa Music Awards 2014
- Nominated for Best African Group/Duo/Band for "Y-Tjukutja" at the 2014 All Africa Music Awards
- "Y-Tjukutja" nominated for Best African Collaboration at the 2014 All Africa Music Awards
- "Y-Tjukutja" nominated for Song of the Year at the 2014 All Africa Music Awards
- Nominated for Artiste of the Year at the 2014 All Africa Music Awards
- Nominated for African Artiste of the Year at The Headies 2015
- Nominated for 'Best Electronic Act' at the 2016 Unsigned Music Awards[12]
