SA: MUSA drops new single ‘Hamba’

The soulful track examines the difficult conversations that can arise when long-term relationships come to an end, focusing on acceptance, boundaries and mutual respect. Drawing on old-school soul and blues influences, ‘Hamba’ uses MUSA’s vocals to explore the process of letting go without resentment.

“‘Hamba’ is a conversation that many people in long-term relationships may want to have, but rarely ever do,” says MUSA. “It explores the idea of letting someone go while still asking them to respect the space and life you shared together.”

The single marks a new stage in MUSA’s partnership with David Gresham Records (DGR), the South African music company founded by broadcaster David Gresham in 1970. DGR’s distribution network currently covers more than 220 markets and 300 digital stores.

‘Hamba’ introduces the themes that underpin UHAMBO, which MUSA describes as a reflection of movement, personal growth and the different stages of his life. The album moves between Afro-pop and soul rather than following a single sonic direction.

“It’s a journey, it takes you wherever you want to go, because the album doesn’t sound the same,” he says.

The project was completed over approximately six to seven months and involved MUSA working with several songwriters. The collaborative process introduced new approaches to his songwriting while retaining the soulful sound and emotional storytelling associated with his work.

“It’s more grown, and it tells the different journeys I’ve travelled to get to where I am now,” MUSA says.

The artist also hopes the single encourages listeners to reflect on their own relationships and how they treat others.

“I’m hoping people get to be more honest about where they are about their relationships and how they treat them,” he says.

With ‘Hamba’, MUSA begins the rollout of UHAMBO, an album centred on love, relationships and personal development while exploring different musical influences.