Izithutha zothando

# Umkhathazi announces new Maskandi album *Izithutha zothando*

Maskandi artist Umkhathazi is set to release *Izithutha zothando*, a 12-track album arriving on 22 September 2026.

The project is anchored by the title track, “Izithutha zothando”, which features Phindile Buthelezi and Lethi Buthelezi. Their appearance gives the album an early collaborative focal point, while “Desha” brings another guest contribution from Imfezemnyama. The remainder of the tracklist is carried by Umkhathazi, establishing the album primarily as a statement from the solo artist.

Across its titles, *Izithutha zothando* points towards the broad storytelling range associated with Maskandi. “Uthando lwebhinca” and “Ushukela” suggest attention to love and affection, while “Thula mntwana” carries the feel of a direct, intimate address. Elsewhere, “Angikwesabi ukufa”, “Ngilwa nokhonkolo” and “Ngiza nebutho” introduce more confrontational and resilient language. “Inhlupheko yakithi” closes the album with a title centred on hardship at home.

The tracklist also includes “Iqonqela”, “Imoto” and “I-content”, giving the project a contemporary, everyday vocabulary alongside its more emotional and socially weighty titles. That mixture makes *Izithutha zothando* feel like a full-length release designed to move between personal themes, struggle and modern life rather than remain fixed on one subject.

With 12 songs and two featured collaborations, the album offers a substantial introduction to Umkhathazi’s 2026 output. For listeners following new Maskandi, *Izithutha zothando* is a release to watch for its combination of a focused solo presence, prominent vocal partnerships and a tracklist that suggests several different sides to the artist’s perspective.