Legendary storytelling through soothing melodies, a journey you don’t want to miss
If you’re an old soul like me, you will appreciate Ringo Madlingozi’s new album, Ikhwelo, a musical feast for the ears, with rich instrumentals and soulful vocals that speak directly to the heart.
I must admit, it took some time to get used to the new style. Some tracks feel a bit too different from Ringo’s original sounds.
The very first song, uQamata is quite peculiar, with beats and underpinning riffs. Ringo shows off his vocals with a subtle vibrato pitch, adding warmth and expressiveness. I listened to more and appreciated the nuances.
For every song the instruments are given so much room to shine, creating a soundscape that’s both soothing and thought-provoking.
The song Hello Bhabha starts with a catchy whistle (ikhwelo) and follows to a chorus “Hello baby, hello dali, hello lovey, hello sthandwa sam, kudala ndilindile” that adds a touch of charm. I was taken aback and reminded of his earlier hit, Into Yam featuring Oliver Mtukudzi, which explores the perks of a sweet, innocent relationship.
Although this new album is more laid back and mature, we still find elements of melodies, instruments that shine with delicate guitar work, subtle percussion that adds depth to music and breath-taking harmonies in the background.
You might expect a more upbeat and energetic sound, however with Ikhwelo, settle in and indulge into a more mellow vibe, the perfect antidote to a busy world.
Vuvu rating 8/10
FEATURED IMAGE: Ringo Madlingozi’s new album cover image. Photo: Ringo Madlingozi’s Instagram
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