Ishmael Morabe Marks a Triumphant Return to Music After Decades of Struggle

Ishmael Morabe’s music career spans over 30 years. In the early 2000s, he was among the most untouchable musicians in South Africa. He gifted fans with timeless classics such as “Avulekile Amasango” and “Waar Was Jy?” His music made gospel sound cool while keeping the dance floor alive with groovy beats. Ishmael poured his heart into every track.

His versatility became even more evident when he joined Jozi, a Kwaito, R&B, and Hip-Hop cross-genre band alongside Bongani Fassie, Da Les, and Crazy Lu. Formed in 2007, the band positioned Ishmael for a lasting career. Many believed he was set for life, but within a few years, drug addiction and financial mismanagement consumed him.

The 53-year-old musician has attempted comebacks before, but he says this time is different. “I’ve been in the music industry for more than three decades, and I’ve found myself needing to reinvent myself now and again. The music industry has changed quite a bit since the Kwaito era. It has been interesting to watch, and now I get to jump on the wagon,” he told Drum.

He explains that his return is motivated by a desire to inspire. “I realised that I have a big role to play in terms of motivating and inspiring people to always aim for the top. I’m here to motivate people in my little corner by keeping on going. There’s a little kid who wants to give up, but when they see me, they will stay the course.”

Ishmael’s comeback is marked by the release of his 3-step single “Ngena,” produced by Ben Major, reinforcing his motivational message. “This version of myself is the more mature version that takes everything seriously. It’s a motivated version,” he says.

The Waar Was Jy? hitmaker has also partnered with legendary Zola 7. Their joint tour, named after Ishmael’s iconic track, has been underway for a year. “My manager suggested we tour together. I was excited, and the name of the tour was fitting because we’re both from that school of music,” Ishmael says. He adds that the tour can evolve indefinitely, adding performers depending on the city.

The nostalgic tour kicked off on 26 October at the Black Lounge in Potchefstroom, supported by amapiano stars DJ Maphorisa and Josiah De Disciple. Ishmael notes, “Maphorisa is the king of amapiano, and a lot of people can relate to him, so it was the right thing to do in terms of getting people excited for this.”

Ishmael closes by advising young artists to learn from both his successes and mistakes. “Observe what worked and what didn’t, and use that knowledge to carve your own path,” he says.

This comeback signals more than music; it marks a personal and professional reinvention, showing that decades in the industry can lead to renewed purpose and influence.