#TBTAlbumReview: Mlindo the Vocalist: Emakhaya

Album Title: Emakhaya

Artist: Mlindo The Vocalist – Lindokuhle ‘Mlindo’ Mgedezi

Genre: Soul

Rate: 10/10

Tracks: 13

Release Date: September 21, 2018

From the start, Lindokuhle Magedezi was set for stardom. He was discovered by the prodigious DJ Maphorisa and together, they released the hit track “AmaBlesser.” He later appeared on Sun-El Musician’s electronic banger “Bamthathile”, making a guest feature on the awe-inspiring 13-track album ‘Africa to the World’.

By the time Mlindo was releasing his debut album ‘Emakhaya’ in September 2018, it was already clear what he would be offering the world. Still in his early twenties, the artiste would eventually release this spectacular, hour-long, full-length album and earn the spot of a South African artiste to watch. And here we are, months after the release of the project, still keen to highlight it.

Mlindo possesses one hell of a vocal range, and we get to witness his brilliance as soon as the LP kicks off with the track “Ancestors.” That talent is core on the album title track “Emakhaya,” a track that precedes his collaborative effort with DJ Maphorisa “AmaBlesser,” which tells how the artist was left by his girlfriend because she was seeking a better life.

Image: Mlindo The Vocalist – X

With undeniable mastery, Mlindo recruits the vocals of Sjava on “Egoli”. For an album meant to exist and shine in its calmness, Vyno Miller makes a great addition to the catchy effects presented by “Cold Summer”. Mlindo doesn’t mind exploring various sounds, and together with Shwi Nomtekhala, they revisit a sound quite synonymous with South Africa on “Wamuhle”.

Sha Sha joins Mlindo on “Nge Thanda Wena”, a track kicks off with a tender acoustic guitar riff and later picks up pace with an electronic drumline. Mlindo is also joined by Sfeesoh, Kwesta and Thabsie on “Macala,” one of the album’s essential tracks. We also get to experience the fine remix of “AmaBlesser”, featuring Tanzanian star Rayvanny.

Most of “Emakhaya” is enjoyable and Mlindo The Vocalist exhibits musical skill that is unusual and truly pleasing. There are no qualms it comes from a personal place, and you can’t help but have most of its tracks on repeat. For a debut, that certainly provides a big break for the artiste. It also doesn’t neglect the fans he has acquired over his stint in the music scene.

His single, Macala – which featured Kwesta, Thabsie and Sfeesoh – had all the makings of a summer hit with its irresistible beat and vocal interplay on a song about forgetting all your troubles and heading for the club.

But the most striking feature of Macala is definitely Mlindo’s voice. Up front and centre stage, it is rhythmic, pure and full of melodic yearning, even on a track about “being lit on both sides”, as Mlindo puts it.