Kuphelele

# Mjolisi Announces 12-Track Maskandi Album *Kuphelele*

South African Maskandi artist Mjolisi will release his new album, *Kuphelele*, on 1 September 2026. The 12-track project places Mjolisi at the centre of a broad collaborative lineup, with features from artists including MaWhoo, Mbuzeni, Uqoqa, Umnotho, Somcwayi and Jaiva Zimnike.

The album’s tracklist suggests a project built around both established Maskandi partnerships and cross-genre connections. Its title track, “Kuphelele”, features MaWhoo, while “Ngang'gejile” brings together Natasha K and nolly m. Other collaborations include “Ngaze Ngak'thanda” with Somcwayi, “Impilo Ayilungi” with Jaiva Zimnike and Umnotho, and “Izethembiso Zakho” with Mcabuzi.

Several artists appear more than once, giving the album a sense of recurring musical relationships rather than a collection of isolated guest appearances. Umnotho contributes to three songs, including the opening track, “Liyoma Ngami”, which also features Somcwayi. Mbuzeni and Uqoqa appear together on both “Ngizofela Kuye” and “Uthando Lwam”.

The album is also framed by a number of Mjolisi-led tracks. “Ng'zosuka Ngik'laye”, “Ngiyagoloza” and the closing song, “Sinqobile”, do not list featured artists, allowing the project to finish with Mjolisi in direct focus.

With its 12-song format and substantial guest list, *Kuphelele* presents itself as a full-length Maskandi release with collaboration at its core. For listeners following the contemporary South African Maskandi scene, the album will be worth watching for how Mjolisi balances his own voice with a wide range of featured performers.