Phendula

Last updated

Phendula
Zahara's Phendula album cover.jpg
Studio album by
ReleasedSeptember 13, 2013 (2013-09-13)
Recorded2012–13
StudioKZN Studios, Greyville, Durban
Genre Afro-soul
Length60:05
Label TS Records
Producer
  • Robbie Malinga
  • Mojalefa Thebe
Zahara chronology
Nelson Mandela
(2013)
Phendula
(2013)
Country Girl
(2015)
Singles from Phendula
  1. "Phendula"
    Released: September 6, 2013
  2. "Impilo"
    Released: November 1, 2013
  3. "Stay"

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 2 Face Idibia. [1] It was supported by the singles "Phendula", "Impilo" and "Stay". [2] Upon its release, the album was made available for purchase on iTunes and Musica. [1] [3]

Contents

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 from Nigerian singer 2 Face Idibia. In an interview with Sunday Sun newspaper, Zahara described the song as a melodic song about love. [10] [11] Zahara and 2face recorded the song after being in the studio for 5 hours. [12]

The Phendula tour

The Phendula tour
Tour by Zahara
Associated albumPhendula
Start dateSeptember 27, 2013
End dateDecember 8, 2013
No. of shows11

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]

DateCityCountryVenueRef
Africa
September 27, 2013 Cape Town South AfricaCape 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. A writer for Swagger Magazine gave the album a 91.8 rating out of 100, praising Zahara's musicianship and voice and commending the 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.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Rise Again"
  • Bulelwa Mkutukana
  • Ladysmith Black Mambazo
4:07
2."Phendula"Mkutukana4:29
3."Impilo"Mkutukana5:20
4."Indlela Yam'"Mkutukana4:06
5."Bhekile"Mkutukana4:10
6."Okwami Ngokwakho"Mkutukana5:00
7."Umongameli"Mkutukana3:13
8."Iphupha"Mkutukana4:18
9."Bomi Endibaziyo" (featuring Anele & Neliswa)Mkutukana4:05
10."Limisa" (featuring Mukengerwa Tresor Riziki)
  • Mkutukana
  • Tresor Riziki
4:27
11."Mandela" (featuring Mzwakhe Mbuli)Mkutukana3:38
12."Brighter Day"
  • Mkutukana
  • Riziki
5:30
13."My Story"Mkutukana3:42
14."Stay" (featuring 2 Face Idibia)
  • Mkutukana
  • Innocent Ujah Idibia
3:53
Total length:60:05

Personnel

Release history

RegionDateFormatLabel
South AfricaSeptember 13, 2013 CD, Digital download TS Records

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