BandaBanda Returns to the Spotlight with ‘Zinza’: A Sonic Celebration of African Identity

Revered music producer and creative director BandaBanda is stepping back into the limelight with Zinza, a deeply personal 17-track album that marks his return to the frontlines of music. Widely respected for his behind-the-scenes work with some of South Africa’s greatest musical icons—Sibongile Khumalo, Busi Mhlongo, Jabu Khanyile, Madala Kunene, Hugh Masekela, Zoë Modiga, Langa Mavuso, Mandisi Dyantyis and Thandiswa Mazwai—BandaBanda is now stepping forward as an artist in his own right.

The journey to Zinza began in 2020, when BandaBanda first conceptualised the project. However, he chose to pause his personal artistic ambitions in order to support others, something he has always done naturally. “I’m always the guy who makes sure people are taken care of, either musically or on the business side,” he told Sowetan. But after five years of nurturing others’ careers, BandaBanda felt the time had come to shift his focus. “Now, I feel like it’s time to pursue this project because most of these artists mentioned by the newer generation are becoming household names, but when we started, they were just other musicians.”

Encouragement to complete the project came from within his close musical circle, particularly Zoë Modiga, who played a key role in motivating him to finish the album. “She was the one person who was on my neck to finish this project,” he said. “Through this work, I got to find out how it is to take care of myself.”

BandaBanda describes himself as a custodian of indigenous South African music, and Zinza is an extension of that mission. His experience with musical legends like the late Khumalo, Mhlongo and Masekela has given him a deep understanding of the cultural importance of preserving South African musical traditions. “I saw it befitting to activate that side of SA music and create this vault to preserve the music memories that we should have as a nation,” he said.

The album features an impressive lineup of collaborators, including Fatoumata Diawara, Mpho Sebina and Zoë Modiga, and explores themes of identity, healing, legacy and self-acceptance. “Zinza speaks to the state of being and settling into all the facets of who we are. It’s for everyone. Accepting the things that are broken about us, our healing, our losses, our wins,” BandaBanda explained.

Known primarily as a producer, BandaBanda surprises listeners by lending his own voice to the album—a move that reveals a new, more intimate side of his artistry. Through Zinza, he not only reintroduces himself as an artist but also furthers his lifelong commitment to uplifting and preserving African music.