For a lot of people who took the annual end of the year migrant pilgrimage from the South African city centres the rural peripheries with a copy of Ntando‘s third album, titled ,
Izaga,( when translated simply mean psalms as in the bible) there are no regrets.
This album was released in the summer of 2011, just in good time before the end year holiday. Pumping with lovers rock classic , Ngomso, a promise to a lover that , “I am coming home for you”, the title track , Izaga and more .
- Ntando – Izaga
If you landed a copy of this album, I am sure it provided the most beautiful soundtrack to your holiday memories and musical taste buds.
Ntando Bangani’s music needs no formal introduction to anyone who follows the South African popular music scene. He had long carved himself a niche in the past decade since his debut and signing by TS Records at the beginning of the century.
Ntando was born in Port Elizabeth city and a proud son of the soil from the Eastern Cape province. He, like many artists swapped the coastal shores for the inland in search of greener pastures and success in musical careers. He is from the clan of Nozulu, a lineage he shares each time he introduces himself passionately in a pacey poetic delivery.
Since then he has recorded the following three albums – Inqubela , Uhambo lwam
A Night With Ntando and Kwantu.
These are some of the works that gave him a lot of time to record in Isixhosa, his home language, isiXhosa.
Bornfire entertainment
Throughout this career he has since collaborated with established artists like Brown Dash, Thembisile Ntaka, Ntlantla Nciza of Mafikizolo, Sash,Mzekezeke as well as the veteran producer,’ Robby Intsimbi’ Malinga.
His afro pop and soulful romantic ballads has earned him a big female fan base as well and many, who loves good music. These artists also featured guest performances in his Live DVD and best of Ntando CD compilation under Bornfire entertainment.
He has come a long way since his first musical hit, Uyakhumbula, Nguwe, just a few of the songs which was rocking airwaves on rural as well as urban stations like Metro and Yfm in Gauteng. This new album oozes Ntando’s melodic prowes with great excellence in writing music lyrics, arrangement as well as the musical delivery in Isixhosa and sometimes, English.
This album also reaffirms Ntando’s stance in issues of culture and strengthening the family. He also passionately explores issues of love and relationships. He is also a very conscious artist who knows a lot about the African continent and its people.
He jumps and juggles different roles in his tunes from family man to a lover and a friend who sometimes become a social commentator, a teacher, a beautiful singer and entertainer. His love songs have passion that permeates music lover’s hearts as each verse and melody rocks your soul from the first song till the last.
He has confessed several times about his undying love for reggae and dancehall music. Ever since his first recording he has thrown in at least one or two reggae tunes to share with music lovers his version of isiXhosa roots reggae music.
In this album he has taken this reggae passion further by including almost 40% of reggae music with fresh and spectacular collaborations with artists from Bornfire entertainment, his company and record label.
This also album features collaborations with Stich and Shango, who complements and raps in vernacular. These two artists elevates Ntando’s musical delivery in a positive and very enhancing way. Trax like Uyandiva uThixo? ( Does God hear ma prayers ?) and Bhalelekhaya( meaning don’t abandon home) are a testimony to this. Slash also features in the track Secretes, while Stictch is on the track ,Ndizohlala naye ( I will stay with her)
From the first track to the sixth tune Ntando exposes his afro soul prowess and natural talent with music that appeals to the young and old at once. He is a clean artist with clean lyrics who has a culturally conscious message that permeates throughout the album. His language eloquence enhances his style of music emphatically.
From track seven, Higher levels to the last track United states of Africa, Ntando displays his love and understanding of reggae music. This God given talent delivered in conscious ragga lyrics peppered in hip-hop flavour is taking Ntando’s music to a higher level.
He further hammers his admiration for the family unit in the track Ukuqina komndeni while in the last tune United states of Africa he strongly affirms that a united Africa can conquer obstacles and offer solutions for modern day problems. It is also a track that has a continental appeal for peace , friendly collaborations between the nations and unity.
For bookings you can call Nyamie at -072 551 4203 or Themba -071 128 4594. Altenatively follow Ntando on twitter @NtandobanganiSA or Facebook at Ntandoreloaded or log on www.bornfireentertainment.co.za
