Ilona Nalona Naloya Album Overview:
Release Date: 22nd April, 2024
Length: 1 hr 18 Mins
Recording Studio: Takk Studio
Producers: Mlabalaba Khumalo
Featured Artists: Samukelisiwe Ncwane, Jikelele & Imfezemnyama
Number of Tracks: 14
uMlabalaba’s Musical Career:
Mlabalaba Khumalo is a South African artist and musician who has gained widespread recognition for his outstanding contributions to the Maskandi music genre. Born and raised in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Mlabalaba’s music reflects his Zulu heritage and culture, as well as his experiences growing up in a modern society. His music is a fusion of traditional Zulu sounds and contemporary narratives, often featuring storytelling and poetic lyrics that resonate with his audience.
In 2022, Mlabalaba released three albums on Apple Music, namely Zibomv’inhliziyo, Impande yesiKhova, and Njengo Zahara. These albums showcased his versatility as an artist and his ability to create music that appeals to a broad audience. However, it was his album “Son of A Carpenter,” which was released on all streaming platforms on the 31st of March, 2024, that catapulted him to mainstream success in South Africa. The album was a massive hit in the KwaZulu-Natal province, with its unique blend of Maskandi and modern-day sounds capturing the hearts of many.
uMlabalaba Ilona Nalona Naloya:
“Ilona Nalona Naloya” is Mlabalaba’s 5th Maskandi Studio Album, which he released on the 22nd of April, 2024. The project comprises a total of 14 songs, featuring collaborations with three renowned Maskandi artists, namely Samukelisiwe Ncwane, Jikelele, and Imfezemnyama. The album includes tracks like Ilo Nalo Naloya, Shushu Mtanami, Khuluma Dlozi, Umenzeni Umntanami, and Wayeqhakazile, which are trending on South African Music charts since its release.
Commercial/Streaming Performance:
The album has received immense commercial success with its popularity skyrocketing on streaming platforms, particularly on YouTube. The title track, Ilona Nalona Naloya, has already garnered over a million views on YouTube within less than two months of its release, which is a testament to Mlabalaba’s growing popularity. Although the streaming and view numbers on other platforms such as Apple Music and Spotify are not yet known to us, it is expected that they will be equally impressive.
Mlabalaba’s music has become a significant part of South Africa’s cultural identity, and his unique blend of traditional and modern sounds has gained him a loyal following among music lovers. His contributions to the Maskandi music genre have been celebrated widely, and he continues to create music that resonates with his audience while staying true to his roots.
Tracklist:
All tracks were written and composed by Mlabalaba Khumalo;
1. Shushu Mtanami
2. Khuluma Dlozi
3. Wawungalelani
4. Ilo Nalo Naloya ft Samukelisiwe Ncwane
5. Umenzeni Umntanami
6. Zumbarapepe
7. Ngiyawufulathela ft Jikelele
8. Ushumayela Nesibhamu
9. Liyathambama ft Imfezemnyama
10. Samukelisiwe Ncwane – Emrafu
11. Ubeyini Yena
12. Wayeqhakazile
13. Ngikhulekela Unhlupheko
14. Mary Gordon
Crew in the Project:
1. Mlabalaba Khumalo – Producer
2. Thuthani Ndlovu – Accordion and Engineer of the project
3. Evan Smith – Mixed and Mastered the project
4. Ivatie Media Production – Sleeze design
