South African multidisciplinary artist Muzi, affectionately known as the “Zulu Skywalker,” has unveiled his highly anticipated fifth studio album, “uMUZI,” now available through Fool’s Gold. In this autobiographical masterpiece, Muzi delves deep into his universe, offering a glimpse into his roots, and the album’s thematic narrative revolves around his quest to reconnect with the memories of his late parents.
While his previous album, “INTERBLAKTIC,” showcased Muzi’s artistic evolution, “uMUZI” serves as his origin story, encapsulating the pivotal moments that have shaped him. From recounting his parents’ first date in “eMtunzini” to his candid reflection on a period of homelessness in “Problems,” Muzi bares his soul through his heartfelt lyrics.
One standout collaboration features Coldplay’s Chris Martin, who lends his vocals to “Queen” in Muzi’s native Zulu. The album also boasts the talents of British rapper The Last Skeptik on “Milk & Honey” and the legendary 72-year-old South African guitarist Madala Kunene on “A Letter To Zeno.” Muzi’s ability to weave his most personal vulnerabilities into his music is truly remarkable. With “uMUZI,” he continues his tradition of paying homage to family, following the 2020 “MAMA EP” dedicated to his late mother and the 2019 album “ZENO,” written for his daughter. This latest project explores his relationship with his late father and his own experiences as a father, emphasizing the importance of introspection and growth.
Crafted as the soundtrack of his family’s Toyota Cressida, “uMUZI” is a musical journey through the sounds that shaped Muzi’s upbringing. From the disco stylings of Brenda Fassie to the forward-thinking beats of Daft Punk and Faithless, the album draws from his childhood influences, all infused with a warm, vintage tone created through Muzi’s experimentation with analog synths and drum machines. Muzi’s inspiration for “uMUZI” came from the road trips he took with his 5-year-old daughter, Zeno. These journeys led him to ponder what a road trip with his late parents would be like. Through this album, he explores the conversations he might have with them as an adult and a father.
As Muzi shares, “These ideas are inspired by everything I saw in Empangeni. These stories made me. These stories heal me.” “uMUZI” showcases his unique ability to infuse a global perspective into his music while preserving his South African heritage and native Zulu language. Hailing from the township of Empangeni in KwaZulu-Natal, Muzi’s distinctive genre-blending approach continues to set him apart in the ever-evolving music landscape. Even as Afrobeats and Amapiano gain global acclaim, Muzi remains a trailblazer with “uMUZI.”
To complement the album, Muzi presents an official documentary titled “Muzi: The Unbreakable Story.” This documentary traces his remarkable journey from a medical school dropout and homeless skater to a multidisciplinary artist and fashion icon. A full-length documentary is set to be released soon.
Join Muzi on a heartfelt journey through his past, experiences, and musical evolution as you stream “uMUZI” today. It’s an introspective exploration of memories, music, and the enduring power of storytelling.
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