Hlala la

# Thokozani Langa returns with the 15-track maskandi album *Hlala la*

Thokozani Langa’s *Hlala la* is a 15-track maskandi album released on 11 October 2025. The project presents Langa at the centre of a broad collaborative set, bringing in artists including Mjikelo, Mzukulu, Bonakele, Njabulo Langa, Cnomo Makhathini and Skhumba STS.

The album’s title track, “Hlala la”, features Mjikelo and sits at the heart of a tracklist that balances solo performances with guest-led exchanges. Mjikelo appears again on “Ngizovula icala”, while the remaining collaborations are distributed across the album: Skhumba STS features on “Amaphilisi ekhanda”, Mzukulu on “Bambelela kimi”, Bonakele on “Mangisondele”, Njabulo Langa on “Indlela eyakubo” and Cnomo Makhathini on “Mlobole”.

That structure gives *Hlala la* a clear sense of range without moving away from its maskandi identity. More than half of the album is carried by Langa alone, including “Kuphiyaza uyaya”, “Man of the match”, “I tracker”, “Makoti wethu”, “Usbali ageze”, “Amatype”, “Angimtholi ocingweni” and “Izeluleko zothando”. The result is a project that uses collaboration as an important feature, but not as a substitute for Langa’s own presence.

With 15 songs, *Hlala la* is a substantial release for listeners looking for a full-length maskandi project rather than a short introduction. Its tracklist moves between solo cuts and featured songs, making it easy to hear both Langa’s individual voice and the wider network of artists gathered around the album.

For listeners following contemporary South African maskandi, *Hlala la* is notable for its focused presentation: a new Thokozani Langa album built around a sizeable song count, a strong guest list and a title track that connects the project’s central identity to Mjikelo.