SA: Professor shares Watsamaya single featuring Nhlanhla Mafu

‘Watsamaya’ is a remarkable retro collaboration by Professor, who is well known for his adeptness in creating nostalgic yet contemporary sounds. It poignantly captures the essence of everyday relationship struggles, encapsulating the tumultuous cycle of breaking up and making up. The record delves into the profound pressures that financial circumstances impose on modern relationships and marriages, making it a resonant anthem for many.

Professor and Nhlanhla Mafu seamlessly blend their talents to breathe life into the track, infusing it with the distinctive elements reminiscent of Mafikizolo’s 1990s hit ‘Gape’. Professor’s long-standing admiration for Mafikizolo’s unique sound is evident, as he masterfully weaves their influence into this powerful collaboration. Together, they deliver a song that not only pays homage to the classic kwaito era but also speaks to the contemporary listener, bridging the past and present with a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly new.

Born Mkhonzeni Langa, Professor is from Umlazi in Durban. He started off as a member of a family group that comprised his siblings, including Character, an award-winning Kwaito artist popularly known for his hit song ‘Ex-ongasolveki’. They were discovered by the Tiny Siluma of Tiny and Khanyo fame. Tiny introduced them to the legendary Spikiri who was the producer for the well-known kwaito group Vibe Squad.

Professor also became a part of a Johannesburg based group called Suspects, which included Black Coffee, Shota and Demor. In 2000, Professor and Spikiri reunited and worked together on the Vibe Squad project, among others. Professor then signed to Kalawa Jazmee Records in 2005, and released three albums: Woze Durban, Amantombazane and Magazine.