Langalakhe Mabena
DO good in life and people will accuse you of getting ‘rich’ through criminal acts or witchcraft. These accusations are founded on jealousy.
Inspired by real life experiences, award winning Tshibilika musician Madlela Skhobokhobo was forced to pick pen and paper and compose his upcoming song Umona.
Umona translates to jealousy.
The single, which was produced by Nashville Studio Rock Up, will be released today and will be accompanied by visuals which were shot by Ras Quisity of Keaitse Films.
It features youthful artistes, namely Mcheznana, gospel sensation Siza Mdlongwa, Bluerose and Madlela’s son Basotho.
Former Highlanders FC tough defender Gift “Thebe” Lunga Junior also makes an appearance on the video.
Thebe joins other star footballers like Johannes “Tshisa” Ngodzo and Benni McCarthy who previously starred in popular music videos for Kwaito groups Go Boys and Mzansi’s TKZee, respectively.
“The idea of this song came to my mind while I was taking a walk alone. As a musician I am a social commentator, therefore, I saw that there was a need for me to reflect about this particular topic.
“Umona ukhona vele (its there), even in the music industry there are people who get hurt when someone prospers in life. So, this song particularly advices jealous people to work hard to improve their path than to hate someone for doing great work,” said Madlela.
Madlela believes that by roping in young artistes, they can fully realise their potential and make a significant mark on the “dog eat dog” music industry.
“On the song I just did the introductions and the rest was done by other artistes. I can say myself and Mcheznana, we have been in the game for a while now, Siza also has been there, but there is need to give him more exposure, so as with Bluerose and Basotho,” said Madlela.
Basotho, who dreams of becoming a famous musician just like his father Madlela, said he learnt a lot from the collaboration.
“I have a number of projects that I have done with my father, but from this one I got a chance to learn a lot of musical elements because artistes from different genres were incorporated on the project.
“I was free to express myself and contribute ideas to the song because I was surrounded by people of almost my age.
This also made me realise the potential I had when it comes to music composition,” said Basotho.
