Izinto Zamahhal

# UGatsheni’s *Izinto Zamahhala* is a 13-track showcase of contemporary Maskandi collaboration

UGatsheni returns in 2025 with *Izinto Zamahhala*, a 13-track Maskandi album released on 17 December. Built around an extensive line-up of collaborators, the project presents UGatsheni at the centre of a wide-ranging ensemble rather than as a solitary voice.

The album’s title track, “Izinto zamahhala”, features Thobani Mmema and Thuthani Ndhlovu, while the wider tracklist brings in a substantial cast from across the Maskandi scene. Sonqonqo, Thobani Mmema, Thuthani Ndlovu, Zuma and Celumusa Zuma appear repeatedly throughout the project, giving the album a strong sense of continuity despite its many guest appearances.

That collaborative approach is established from the opening track. “Umgqozo” features Jaiva Zimnike, Thuthani Ndlovu, JJ Mbuthuma, Zuma, Sonqonqo and Thobani Mmema. “Usuthu” follows with Phathaphatha Ngcobo, Sonqonqo, Thuthani Ndlovu, Zuma and Thobani Mmema among its contributors. Across the album, the features are not limited to one or two guest spots: several songs involve large vocal line-ups, making the project feel like a gathering point for multiple Maskandi artists.

There is room here for both familiar and distinctive pairings. “Wadlala Ngami” includes Inkosi Yamagcokama alongside Thuthani Ndhlovu, Thobani Mmema, Sonqonqo, Zuma and JJ Mbuthuma. “Ngifuna Imali” is another especially expansive collaboration, bringing together Luve, Mjolisi, Thobani Mmema, Thuthani Ndhlovu, Phathaphatha Ngcobo, Celumusa Zuma, Sonqonqo and Thuthani Ndlovu.

The later part of the album continues to broaden its cast. “Ishinga” features Mfoka Msezane, Celumusa Zuma, Sonqonqo and Thuthani Ndlovu, while “Njenge Khosi” includes Thuthani Ndlovu, Thobani Mmema, Sonqonqo and Celumusa Zuma. Jumbo joins the line-up on “Ezulwini”, and “Bafana Bafana” features Sonqonqo, Thobani Mmema and Thuthani Ndhlovu.

UGatsheni closes the project with “Akuhlangani”, featuring JJ Mbuthuma, Phathaphatha, Sonqonqo, Thobani Mmema and Thuthani Ndhlovu. In between, “Igama Lami” and “Thanana” maintain the album’s recurring network of collaborators, reinforcing the sense that *Izinto Zamahhala* is designed as a shared Maskandi statement.

For listeners following contemporary Maskandi, the album’s main appeal is clear: it offers a substantial, collaboration-heavy project anchored by UGatsheni and populated by a broad selection of artists. With 13 tracks and a release date arriving at the close of 2025, *Izinto Zamahhala* is a notable entry in UGatsheni’s catalogue and a useful snapshot of the genre’s communal energy.