Soweto based vocalist Celiwe Kumalo (39) known as Chubby is to release her EP named Umenzi wezinto on 5 February 2021.
Kumalo said she is featuring well-known poet Ntsiki Mazwai. She told Gauteng News that Umenzi wezinto is a slogan she uses to praise herself.
“The EP was recorded during lockdown when I had a lot of time. While busy working on it, I discovered who I am. The message behind all songs is based on my life experience.They are emotional to me because I was reflecting my past. Indaba is a main song on the EP where I sing about my ancestors, how my journey started and being chosen to lead”, she added.
Kumalo said she encountered financial problems during recording.
“My challenge was finance which taught me a lesson that what is available today might not be there tomorrow. We should value life and everything. I overcame by accepting what I had and worked with it. People should never let bad situations pass with them but rise above. I gained a lot spiritually during lockdown because my mind and body were contaminated. It was a healing, fasting and cleansing process for me. I got motivated, inspired and music kept me going”, said Kumalo.
Kumalo met Ntsiki Mazwai during Dlala Mapantsula movement, where she was invited to be a main speaker during the launch.
“When listening to her speech on that day, I was touched. At that time I was not a recording artist but at break on music. When I went back to music, I used to ask for advices from her about stage performances. I was from a classical choir background so being on stage singing, dancing and interacting with crowd were hard for me. I recorded Stimela song on chorus and send it to Mazwai. She appreciated it and advised me to protect my music at all cost. We took it from there and decided to do a song together”, she added.
Kumalo said she is also working with Dj Nickcollen from Mozambique and Gianni Bardaro from Italy on the EP.
“My band includes Cappuccino (Thabiso Boleu on violin), Sax Frenzy (Thato Mdakane on alto sax), LeSax_SA (Lefa Ntshabaon alto and soprano sax) as well as Solomon Tsotetsi (Kinsoul producer on viola). Kinsoul is also a producer of Umenzi wesinto EP and has worked with a lot of famous artists. Mandla Spikiri recommended him as a good producer”, said Khumalo.
