Ringo Madlingozi Stays True to Albums in an Era of Singles and EPs

Legendary Afro-jazz musician Ringo Madlingozi has made a powerful return to music with the release of his latest album Ikhwelo, marking a major comeback after a decade-long hiatus from the industry. Unlike many younger artists who favour quick releases like singles and EPs, the 61-year-old singer remains rooted in the timeless tradition of full-length albums.

Born in Peddie, Eastern Cape, Ringo carved out a strong identity in South African music with his unique blend of soulful vocals and socially conscious lyrics. His last full album, Vulani, was released in 2014. Shortly after, he stepped away from music to pursue politics, serving as a Member of Parliament for the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) from 2018 to 2024. Now, he’s back with music that seeks to heal, uplift, and connect.

His new project Ikhwelo, which translates to “the call” or “whistle,” features 15 tracks carefully curated from years of inspiration and introspection. Ringo shared that the title track was born from observing how people treat one another—with violence, division, and lack of compassion. He said he chose to use a whistle to symbolically call people back to love, respect, and humanity.

“Ikhwelo is about reminding us who we are and what we should be about. Love must return, unity must return,” said Ringo.

The album is deeply personal, drawn from voice notes and ideas he had been collecting since 2014. “I never sit down to write songs. They come to me,” he explained. “Whenever a melody or line came, I recorded it on my phone. Now felt like the right time to give it all to my fans.”

Ringo’s loyal following, which spans generations, still values the experience of full albums and physical CDs—a rarity in today’s fast-paced, streaming-dominated world. “It’s unfortunate that most music now lives in digital stores. My fans love having something tangible to play without interruptions,” he said. He is currently negotiating with his team to produce physical copies of Ikhwelo for those who attend his concerts and want to support him the traditional way.

Over the years, Ringo has produced multiple iconic albums, including Buyisa, Baleka, and his 1996 debut Vukani. While he acknowledges the shift in music consumption, he firmly believes that full albums still matter—especially to audiences who crave deeper, more meaningful musical journeys.

Reflecting on his time in politics, Ringo says he has no regrets. “Fighting for people’s rights was important. But now, it’s time for others to carry that work forward while I return to my original calling—music.”

With Ikhwelo, Ringo Madlingozi proves that while the music industry may evolve, true artistry and heartfelt messages still have a place. And for fans of soulful, meaningful Afro-jazz, Ringo’s return couldn’t have come at a better time.