The pioneering female Maskandi group Imithente is entering a new chapter with the release of Imithente (Legacy), a seven-track album that honours the group's roots while making room for a new generation to carry its family legacy forward.
A NEW SOUND ROOTED IN AN OLD STORY
Recorded at Takk Studios in downtown Johannesburg, Imithente (Legacy) brings together the recognisable elements of the group's sound rich vocal harmonies, concertina and guitar with a younger, contemporary energy. More than a collection of songs, the album is a reflection of the family's own experiences, conversations and observations of everyday life.
Across its seven tracks, Imithente explores love, relationships, family, loss, betrayal and social issues, moving between deeply personal moments and celebratory expressions of love. The album opens with “Bengiwrong,” a heartfelt story of a relationship breakdown centred on accountability and the difficult admission: I was wrong.
On “Sivika Izibhamu,” the group turns its attention to inherited conflict and the consequences of hatred passed from one generation to another. The song explores how descendants can find themselves carrying the weight of conflicts they did not create, while confronting the consequences of grudges that have survived across generations.
“Ubethembisa” feat. Qiniso Nsele takes a deeply personal turn, telling the story of a mother who begins to recover from illness, giving her family renewed hope, before passing away unexpectedly. The song, whose title means “she was promising,” captures the heartbreak of losing someone just when hope seemed closest and serves as a tribute to the late Dumisile Manana-Mthalane.
The album's first single, “Angifuni Ukungasho” feat. Luve Dubazane, brings a more upbeat energy, with a confident declaration of love from someone who refuses to allow outside interference, temptation or material distractions to disrupt a relationship that brings security and happiness.
The album's title track, “Umakoti Egoyile” feat. Ama NND International, explores the experiences of a young bride navigating criticism, family expectations and the pressure to endure hardship in silence. Drawing on the powerful Zulu expression “umakoti owafa egoyile,” the song reflects on marriage, womanhood, respect and the difficult balance between personal dignity and family expectations.
On “Inyoka” feat. Jaiva Zimnike, Imithente explores betrayal through the metaphor of a snake, someone who appears close and friendly while speaking negatively about you and wishing you harm behind your back.
The album closes with “Umathandana” feat. AmaCasanova & Amahle, a joyful and contemporary take on love. The song follows a woman who has given up on relationships until she unexpectedly meets someone who changes everything, ultimately taking control of her romantic story and making the first move herself.
Together, the seven tracks showcase an Imithente that remains deeply rooted in its musical heritage while allowing a new generation to bring its own experiences, perspectives and sound to the story.
FROM ONE GENERATION TO THE NEXT
The release of Imithente (Legacy) marks more than a musical comeback, it represents the continuation of a family story. Named after a type of grass found in rural KwaZulu-Natal, Imithente was formed in Johannesburg by the late guitarist Simosakhe Mthalane alongside vocalists Dumisile Manana-Mthalane, Buselaphi Gxowa and Nokwazi Ntuli.
The group went on to establish itself as a pioneering force for women in the traditionally male-dominated Maskandi genre, creating a distinctive sound built around harmonised vocals, concertina and guitar.
Following the passing of co-founder and longtime leader Dumisile Manana-Mthalane, the Mthalane family made a commitment to ensure that the music, history and spirit of Imithente would not end with her passing.
That commitment has now evolved into Imithente (Legacy), a new chapter led by Nondumiso Ngubane, Nelile Mthalane and Nokuthula Manana, and managed by the Mthalane brothers, Phelelani Sabelo Mthalane and his elder brother Hlangnani “Weza” Mthalane. Phelelani has been composing for Imithente since 2010, contributing to the continuation of the group's musical identity across generations.
As Imithente moves forward, the family has created a structure that allows its history to be preserved while giving new voices space to shape its future.
Alongside Imithente (Legacy), led by Nondumiso Ngubane, Nelile Mthalane and Nokuthula Manana, the wider Imithente project features Lungile Manana, Phakamile Mthalane and Nompilo Ndebele, ensuring that the group's distinctive sound continues to reach audiences across South Africa and beyond.
Two projects, but one family story.
From Simosakhe, to Dumisile, to Phelelani and Weza, the responsibility of carrying the music forward has passed from one generation to the next. The sound may evolve. The faces may change. But the story continues.
About Imithente
Imithente (Legacy) is a pioneering female Maskandi group whose story spans generations of music, family and cultural heritage. Named after a type of grass found in rural KwaZulu-Natal, Imithente was formed in Johannesburg by the late guitarist Simosakhe Mthalane alongside vocalists Dumisile Manana-Mthalane, Buselaphi Gxowa and Nokwazi Ntuli.
The group became a pioneering force for women in the traditionally male-dominated Maskandi genre, recognised for their distinctive harmonies, concertina and guitar-driven sound.
Following the passing of co-founder and longtime leader Dumisile Manana-Mthalane, the Mthalane family committed to keeping the group's music and legacy alive. This vision has evolved into Imithente (Legacy), led by Nondumiso Ngubane, Nelile Mthalane and Nokuthula Manana, and managed by brothers Phelelani Sabelo Mthalane and Hlangnani “Weza” Mthalane.
