Listen to amapiano remix of Bongeziwe Mabandla’s Sisahleleleni single

The remix, which is available for streaming and download on major digital platforms, was first premiered on A Colors Show earlier this year, with the video having garnered over 200 000 views since release. Mabandla became the fourth South African artist to perform on the celebrated music platform.

“When I wrote this song I was going through a lot of changes and I was excited about the future,” Mabandla said. “This song is about finally following your calling and path. I realised that I had imprisoned myself in many ways and this song was about getting free. In essence it’s a song that asks ‘Why are we still here if we are no longer happy? What is it that keeps us here?

“Teaming up with Ntokzin on the album’s most recognisable songs was a suggestion from the label Platoon. We had an instant connection and I think we share a mutual respect for each other’s work. This remix really captures the kind of song that I have been wanting to do for such a long time. What I love about it is that it has all the elements of a soulful song and also the dance amapiano sound.”

Following the single’s release was his highly anticipated album amaXesha, which became The Guardian’s Global Album of the Month and earned Mabandla an exclusive interview and editorial shoot with Nataal magazine. In this album, Mabandla opens with a storm before the first track ‘Sisahleleni’, an upbeat introduction driven by a powerful voice and choral background.

Mabandla is regarded as one of the most innovative artists in South Africa today. The award-winning singer-songwriter is known for a unique style that fuses traditional Xhosa folk music with modern electronic production.