Johannesburg, 13 November 2026 - Celebrating their shared Bhaca heritage and Eastern Cape roots, Joliza and Mfan’uGqoko are bringing two distinct musical worlds together on Embondzeni, an upcoming collaborative album that blends the soulful melodies of BhacaSoul with the rich, traditional sounds of Maskandi.
Setting the tone for the project, Thandazile, the album’s lead single, is released today, offering listeners a first taste of the musical direction and cultural influences behind the collaboration. With Embondzeni set for release on 22 January 2027, listeners can pre-save the album now and be among the first to experience this celebration of culture, identity and musical heritage.
Blending Joliza’s smooth, emotive BhacaSoul vocals with Mfan'uGqoko’s signature Maskandi guitar, concertina and storytelling, the project creates a distinctive sound that honours tradition while embracing a fresh musical direction.
The album features collaborations with Maskandi legend Phuzekhemisi, Damase Ivulandlela and Automatiq, each bringing a unique element to the project. Tracks such as “Ukufa”, “Shwele Baba”, “Umzali” and “Thandazile” explore themes of mortality, prayer, parental respect and cultural values.
More than a musical collaboration, Embondzeni is a celebration of identity and belonging. Through this project, Joliza hopes to introduce Bhaca music to wider audiences.
“My dream is to take Bhaca music out of the Eastern Cape and to the whole of South Africa and beyond. Bhacasoul deserves to be heard too. I want to be one of the artists who carries Bhaca culture to the world, while still respecting where it comes from,” he adds.
For Mfan'uGqoko, the project ultimately represents pride in their identity, music and upbringing. “I hope listeners take away respect for elders, respect for family, respect for culture,” he says.
