Imiyalo Yami contains tracks such as the title track Imiyalo Yami, Izigi, Amazondo and Amashende. This is Uboneni’s third album and is sure to take Uboneni to a whole new level in the maskandi fraternity.
As with her two previous releases Uboneni was once again involved in composing the hot new tracks on her album, together with her husband Mthalane, who is also behind the groups Imithente and Imbabazane. The album was produced by Phathaphatha Ngcobo, who is also behind the successful groups Shwi noMtekhala as well as Thokozani Langa. Mthalane also features on backing vocals.
Izigi is a gospel song with a difference. It is a blend of both maskandi and traditional gospel, resulting in a completely different spiritual experience. “There are times when I sense satan trying to put me down and stop me from progressing,” says Uboneni. “So with this song I am simply pleading with God to protect me from all my enemies.” This song is sure to attract both gospel and maskandi fans.
Uboneni is happily married and is a mother of four. She feels strongly about women taking responsibility for their lives and is not afraid to speak her mind. The track titled Amashende talks about girls who get involved with many different men not out of love but merely for financial gain. “Things nowadays are getting messed up,” she says. According to her, love is not for sale. So in the song she asks, “You date as though you get for it. Exactly how much do you get paid for dating?”
In the song titled Amazondo Uboneni draws on her experiences since becoming a solo artist. I have made a lot of friends as well as enemies, she explains. Through the song she is simply saying that even though she faces jealousy and people trying to complete with her, she is not going to give up music but will continue in doing what she knows she has been gifted to do.
Imiyalo Yami is indeed a display of Uboneni’s growth as a musician. “The songs on this album are much more mature,” she said. She feels that she has experienced a lot of things and even being a mother has taught her a lot.
Uboneni’s husband has been heavily involved in her career. “He’s my greatest inspiration!” she says as her face lights up. “Everything he says and everything he does makes me want to write songs.”
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