Ithishi

About the project

South African Maskandi artist Umfoka Msezane released Ithishi, a 12-track album, on 3 July 2025 through 6061732 Records DK. The project showcases the artist's contribution to the Maskandi genre through a collection of songs featuring both solo performances and collaborations with fellow musicians. Guest appearances include Thandazani, Mjikelo, Mzukulu, and Gatsheni, bringing additional voices to selected tracks throughout the album. With a total running time of approximately 51 minutes, Ithishi provides a full-length listening experience for fans of traditional South African music. The title track, “Ithishi,” appears third on the album, giving listeners an early opportunity to explore the song that shares its name with the project.

The album opens with “Emhlabeni,” featuring Thandazani, followed by “Akangiloboli” and the title track, “Ithishi.” The fourth song, “Mamncane,” leads into “Kukwandlwane,” featuring Mjikelo and Mzukulu. The remaining tracklist includes “Ngiyamshova uzakwethu,” “Kukhona uPenny,” “Ungangibhanqi,” featuring Mjikelo, and “Ziyakushiya izinto.” Later, Gatsheni joins Umfoka Msezane on “Awusaxoli,” before the album continues with “Isando somjolo” and concludes with “Mali uyasixabanisa.” This sequence brings together 12 recordings, with collaborations adding variety to the project's overall presentation. Among the tracks, “Kukhona uPenny” has the longest listed runtime at approximately eight minutes and 39 seconds.

For fans searching for the Umfoka Msezane Ithishi album tracklist, this 2025 release offers a substantial collection of Maskandi music to explore. Songs such as “Emhlabeni,” “Kukwandlwane,” “Awusaxoli,” and “Ithishi” provide different starting points for listeners discovering the artist's work. The featured contributions from Thandazani, Mjikelo, Mzukulu, and Gatsheni also give fans an opportunity to explore collaborations across the album. Whether you already follow Umfoka Msezane or are discovering his music for the first time, Ithishi is a worthwhile addition to a playlist dedicated to Maskandi and contemporary South African traditional music.