Samthing Soweto's "Umuhle Uyasabeka"- A South African Music Gem

For the longest time, Samthing Soweto's musical genius was appreciated by only a few. Whether breaking ground as one of the founding members of award-winning a capella group The Soil or serving as the lead vocalist of neo-jazz band The Fridge, his artistry has been mesmerizing listeners since the early 2010s. His rise to South African music prominence took a giant leap in 2017 with the release of Sun El Musician's "Akanamali", bagging 3 South African Music Awards in 2018. Since then he has been cementing himself into the South African music history books as one of the best song writers and vocalists the country has ever seen. His journey has included guest appearances with South Africa’s finest (such as 2015’s “Broke People” by Stogie T) to becoming one of the key vocalists making notable strides in the Amapiano scene.

Samthing Soweto performing at the 2018 Bushfire Festival

Born Samkelo Lelethu Mdolomba, the Protea North native’s career took an epic turn in September 2019 with the release of his album "Isphithiphithi". The album broke the South African Apple Music record for highest number of pre-orders - a record that had previously been held by American singer Billie Eilish. “Isphithiphithi” also hit number 1 on iTunes and on radio, with every song on the 13 track album receiving airplay.

Every single song on "Isphithiphithi" is well written and produced - from the Amapiano bangers such as "Lotto" and "Akulaleki" to the heart-felt ballad dedicated to his daughter, titled "Nodoli". Another gem on the album is “Omama Bomthandazo” featuring respected poet Makhafula Vilakazi, which, in addition to being a tribute to resilient black mothers, sounds like a beautifully rendered ode to the South African pop sounds of the 1980s when the legendary Chicco Twala was laying the foundation in which today’s muzos would be drawing inspiration from a few decades later. But perhaps the one song that best showcases Samthing Soweto's power and versatility as a musician has to be the 7th track on the album, titled "Umuhle Uyasabeka". With a total running time of three minutes and forty-five seconds, this is quite arguably one of the most authentically South African tunes ever produced.

The Production

The love song, which boasts a phenomenal production team that includes Samthing Soweto, DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small and Mas Musiq, is as South African as it gets. Each producer brought to the table a heavy amount of talent and years of experience. Samthing Soweto is no stranger to music production, with a catalog that dates back to as far back as 2010 with the release of his entirely self-produced debut project “This N That Without Tempo”. His 2018 collaboration with DJ and music producer Fka Mash titled “Get Down” saw him using his meticulous ear to assist with the song’s arrangement and production. DJ Maphorisa, who can easily be viewed as South Africa’s very own musical King Midas, with practically every song he has touched in the last decade turning into audio gold, adds his distinct flair to the track while once again teaming up with frequent Amapiano collaborator and self-proclaimed king of the genre KabzaDe Small. The team is topped off with talented Tembisa-born, BlaqBoy Music signee Mas Musiq, who would go on to drop one of 2020’s biggest bangers “Zaka” featuring Aymos, DJ Maphorisa & Kabza De Small – currently sitting on over 5 million YouTube views.

A number of Samthing Soweto's musical style influences shine through beautifully on the song - with Kwaito being the most prominent influence. Starting with the groove, the song immediately let's you know that you're in Mzansi. The laid back feel can be attributed to the fact that a typical 4 count kick wasn’t used - which probably would have taken the song into the direction of a full on dance tune. Samthing Soweto’s smooth vocals are then joined by the saxophone lead, played masterfully by acclaimed saxophonist Bongani Radebe, which floats gracefully throughout the track - this is the Jazz influence. The playful adlib heard on the thirty-fifth second of the song, and as the chorus ends, are reminiscent of the adlibs that were popular in mid-90s Kwaito jams.

As a song writer, SamthingSoweto is undoubtedly one of the country’s best. In addition to writing all of his own songs and co-writing most of the songs the classic debut self-titled debut album by The Soil, he has also penned the DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small banger "Nana Thula" featuring Njelic. The skill grew in leaps and bounds throughout the years and on no song does he flex his capabilities more than on “Umuhle Uyasabeka”. He draws from old school compliments such as “Ugeza kayi-4” using language as a map showing listeners where he comes from – the hood. The song's second verse opens with an incredibly written ABAB rhyme scheme, delivered with a certain suave ease that only a person born and raised in Soweto can pull off. The delivery on the song leans towards playful, especially at the beginning of the second minute of the song when Samthing Soweto jumps back into the chorus. The vocal inflections continue to change well into the third verse, making the song steer even further and further away from being monotonous.

To say that Samthing Soweto’s “Isiphithiphithi” is underrated would be completely untrue considering the accolades and records set. However, of all the amazing pieces of music included in the masterpiece, “Umuhle Uyasabeka” is definitely one of the least celebrated cuts. It would be a stretch to assume that the song was an easy record to put together, but the exceptionally gifted tend to make magic seem like an easy feet.

Very few artists have come along in the last decade that have been able to fully capture the essence of what being African is all about. Samthing Soweto is without a doubt one of those artists. I have my own experiences with the artist that have helped improve my ear as a music producer, but those are stories for another time.

Listen to "Umuhle Uyasabeka" here.

Listen to Samthing Soweto's "Danko!" (2020) here.

Samthing Soweto and I at the 2018 Dirty All Star Bash

- SPeeKa, An Obsession or Two