Henrik Schwarz gives new life to Bongeziwe Mabandla’s Sisahleleleni single

The song was taken off Mabandla’s AmaXesha album and is available for streaming and download on all major streaming platforms. Schwarz, who has remixed for international acts including Coldplay, Mary J Blige, Stevie Wonder and The Jackson 5, has given the song a new feel, with an up-tempo techno house sound.

The remix serves as the second instalment of an upcoming body of reimagined songs, which are designed to broaden the creative scope, sonic narrative and experience of one of the most loved records in the AmaXesha album.

Following the Ntokzin’s amapiano remix of ‘Sisahleleleni’, Schwarz, known for maintaining balance between electronic, classical and jazz music within his production discourse, carries an eclectic up-tempo blend of techno house with EDM and dubstep undertones, boldly challenging the contrasting emotive, slow-paced, heartfelt original composition, creating an interesting dynamic of the ‘Sisahleleleni Henrik Schwarz Remix’s sonic backdrop by evoking a vibrant feeling to an otherwise emotive sombre ballad.

“Why did I put myself through this when there was a door?” Mabandla says in the core lyrical scope of the song, which explores not only the tumultuous woes that challenge romantic relationships, but other real-life situations, where despite the option to break free from a toxic cycle, a sense of obligation compels you to further entangle yourself in contemptuous toxicity.

Thematically, Mabandla wrestles with power dynamics, unrequited feelings, closure, comfort, and the daunting process of letting go. The track compliments a season of decorated success for Mabandla, who is celebrating his February/March sold out international tour in the US, UK and Europe with his first-ever Metro FM Music Awards nomination under the Best African Traditional Pop category.

Mabandla said: “I have to say this is one of my favourite remixes to date. I feel it's very special. It took the song to another world and was reimagined in such an interesting way. I wrote this song about change and finding your inner voice, and the remix seems to emphasise that message in such an aggressive way. I’m very lucky to have worked with Henrik on this song, and I hope we do more work together because I believe it's a winning formula.”