Sinokubonga Nkala
Langalakhe Mabena
AWARD-WINNING Maskandi musician Effort Dube, also known as FD Smile Setshitshi, has made a comeback to the music scene with an appealing EP titled S’khulelwa Yimizwa.
Released on 5 December, the body of work boasts of five songs — Sidlis’iTeam, My Darly, Umoya Uyavuma featuring Diva Mahlahla, Umama and S’khulelwa Yimizwa.
All the songs on the EP were produced by Njebomvu “Slay King” Biyela.
Those who attended the Matabeleland Arts Awards ceremony hosted by The Neighbour Magazine which was held on 8 December in Johannesburg, South Africa, had a chance to witness FD Smile Setshitshi sampling songs from his new EP.
The creative who hails from Silalatshani in Filabusi, Matabeleland South, said it’s a blessing that he managed to record his second EP this year considering how tight things have been for him.
“As we are also musicians, what comes first is that personally I am a father who needs to be responsible and feed his family which is the main purpose that made me come to Mzansi so that I can be able to fend for my family.
“At the same time, I have to follow my calling and do music, which needs to be balanced with my everyday life. As I successfully dropped this second EP under my name, I am grateful for the opportunity and I regard this as an achievement as I can tick a box and say I did something that pleases my heart.
“The EP is very mature as it speaks about day to day issues that we encounter in our lives. But, my favourite in the album is Umoya Uyavuma — a gospel song I did with the one Diva Mahlaba who is an amazing creative to work with.
“I encourage my followers and all the Maskandi lovers to try and listen to this project as it is rich in Ubuntu topics that resonate with them,” said FD Smile Setshitshi.
As the year ends, the muso said he plans to grind even more next year as he will be staging shows in South Africa and Zimbabwe, as well as other places as a way of strengthening his fan base and promoting the new project.
