WATCH | Inside Nathi Mankayi's Uphupha Labantu album launch
Judging by the live audience reaction and the social media craze on Wednesday night, after Nathi Mankayi shared music from his upcoming album Uphupha Labantu for the first time, it's already a winner!
Iphupha Labantu will give his fans a happier, mature and more spiritual Nathi, he told TshisaLIVE.
Nathi broke into the industry with his hit song, which became 2015's unofficial national anthem Nomvula. The song came from his first album Buyelekhaya, which was a resounding success.
The singer's second album, Umbulelo Wam, didn't do as well on the market but Nathi explained to TshisaLIVE that it wasn't that the music was bad, it was just everything else that distracted Mzansi from what he was offering.
He described his third offering as a happy album.
Nathi added that he was in a happier space in his life and that his maturity, and joy would come through in the album.
Nathi' s manager China, takes to the stage and acknowledges the people behind scenes.#iphuphalabantu
— TshisaLIVE (@TshisaLIVE) July 25, 2018
"This is a happy album. It's different because Nathi is in a happy space at the moment."#iphuphalabantu
— TshisaLIVE (@TshisaLIVE) July 25, 2018
The name means "The People's Dream" It is more than a name, it holds a deep meaning for Nathi and his family. - China says.#iphuphalabantu
— TshisaLIVE (@TshisaLIVE) July 25, 2018
The reaction from the crowd at the album launch hosted at Hill On Empire in Parktown is certainly an indication that he's back to claim his throne as the most soulful afro pop singer.
Watch some of the performances below:
The band is making its way to the stage... the last lady that takes to the stage is Mrs Mankayi.#iphuphalabantu pic.twitter.com/llc4Dj0qCu
— TshisaLIVE (@TshisaLIVE) July 25, 2018
Nathi Mankayi takes to the stage!#iphuphalabantu pic.twitter.com/yifZEdRWvp
— TshisaLIVE (@TshisaLIVE) July 25, 2018
LISTEN: Nathi sings a song from his new album.
— TshisaLIVE (@TshisaLIVE) July 25, 2018
Is Nathi Mankayi truly back?
We think so🔥, what say you🤔?#iphuphalabantu pic.twitter.com/VIrGRzEcW0
📽: This definitely sounds like a joyous album. The most we've ever heard from an otherwise always mellow Nathi 💃💃💃#iphuphalabantu pic.twitter.com/g6oyHbAdWo
— TshisaLIVE (@TshisaLIVE) July 25, 2018
WATCH: Nathi and Mrs Mankayi take on a song together.
— TshisaLIVE (@TshisaLIVE) July 25, 2018
It sounds lovely❤❤❤#iphuphalabantu pic.twitter.com/3KpjrYcI1f
📽: Qeqe Qeqe... Ngise mathandweni 💃💃💃
— TshisaLIVE (@TshisaLIVE) July 25, 2018
This here might just be the 2018 wedding love song! 🔥🔥🔥#iphuphalabantu pic.twitter.com/IzZNna5CM3
The album launch was attended by the likes of Siphokazi, Arthur Mafokate, Zandie Khumalo, Nambitha Mpumlwana, Tresor, Berita and Eugene from Trompies.
Nathi's album will be available nationwide and on line on Friday July 27.
Joining us for this auspicious occasion @tresorofficial with our GM @rabobie72 Its a big evening here at Gallo Records! #IphuphaLabantu from @_Nathimankayi is heading your way SA!! 👏🏻🎤 pic.twitter.com/L0FoJb2ub3
— Gallo Record Company (@GalloRecordsSA) July 25, 2018
Siphokazi is here to support her long time friend. #iphuphalabantu pic.twitter.com/nKrbMUODfH
— TshisaLIVE (@TshisaLIVE) July 25, 2018
Thank you message from Deputy Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams this evening ahead of @_Nathimankayi album launch #IphuphaLabantu Thank you for joining us! pic.twitter.com/gHBOqZqeGE
— Gallo Record Company (@GalloRecordsSA) July 25, 2018
Nal'#IphuphaLabantu by @_Nathimankayi pic.twitter.com/ou7jzkhNK8
— Sivuyile Paliso (@yileps) July 25, 2018