UMUTI NGWENYA TURNS HIS CALLING INTO ‘THOKOZA’ALBUM

BY NELIWE NGUBANE

MBABANE— After years of navigating a spiritual calling, personal transformation and the realities of being human, Eswatini artist Umuti Ngwenya is ready to tell his story through his upcoming album, Thokoza, set for release on Friday, 28 August 2026.

The 14-track project will be unveiled to audiences ahead of its official release during The Swazi Plaza Nights at The Corporate Place Food Court, where Ngwenya, formerly known as Mozaik The Producer, will headline the evening alongside talented spinner Itsallblaq Blaq.

The event will begin at 7pm, with free entry, giving fans an opportunity to experience the new offering before its official release.

For Ngwenya, Thokoza is more than an album. It is a reflection of a journey shaped by his calling, initiation, personal growth and the search for happiness while embracing his spiritual path.

“I have lived both meanings of this word,” Ngwenya said, explaining that Thokoza is used when greeting a healer and also when wishing someone joy.

“Some of you know my journey — the calling, the initiation, the seasons where I had to disappear to become who I am still growing to be,” he said.

Ngwenya said that behind the spiritual journey was also a person experiencing ordinary human emotions and challenges.

“What you may not know is while going through it, I was still having human experiences,” he said.

He described the album as his attempt to find balance between honouring his calling and embracing happiness.

“I’m learning the balance: a way to honour the calling while finding happiness. This album is that journey. I hope you enjoy it,” he said.

The album features tracks including Bantfu Bayakhala, Bayisusa, Emagcekeni, Selishonile featuring Floewe, Sending You Flowers, Dvute, Ungitsatsa La, Imvu Lemnyama, Umphefumulo, Ngaphela Emandla featuring KRTC of Hip Hop, Ngilalele, Emthandazweni, Thokoza and Ligolide.

The Swazi Plaza Nights will also offer patrons food and drinks from surrounding outlets while enjoying the live entertainment.

With Thokoza, Ngwenya invites listeners into a deeply personal chapter — one where spirituality, identity, music and the simple desire to be happy meet.