Uhuru ( Swahili: ''freedom'') were a

South Africa South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa (RSA), is the Southern Africa, southernmost country in Africa. Its Provinces of South Africa, nine provinces are bounded to the south by of coastline that stretches along the Atlantic O ...

n musical group best known for producing the hit single " Khona" performed by Mafikizolo. Signed to Kalawa Jazmee, the band consisted of Nqobile Mahlanu (Mapiano), Sihle Dlalisisa (DJ Clap), Xelimpilo Simelane (Xeli) and Themba Sekowe (

DJ Maphorisa Themba Sekowe (born 15 November 1987), known professionally as DJ Maphorisa, is a South African DJ, record producer, singer, and songwriter. As a record producer with a blend of house music, amapiano and afro pop music, afropop, he has worked ...

). Independently, Uhuru is best known for hit remixes like "Y-tjukutja" and "The Sound".

Background

Prior to collaborating in 2012, Mapiano and Xeli were friends who were into playing contemporary African jazz in

Soshanguve Soshanguve is a township situated about 30 km north of Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa, just east of Mabopane. The name Soshanguve is an acronym for Sotho, Shangaan, Nguni and Venda, thus showing the multi-ethnic composition of the populat ...

where they originated from. The band members were signed through DJ Clap who was already an artiste signed to Kalawa Jazmee Records. Uhuru manages artwork and production in house as DJ Clap, Mapiano and Xeli mainly act as DJ, pianist and vocalist respectively.

Career

Uhuru shot into limelight in 2013 after the release of the chart-topping single titled "Y-tjukutja", in part featuring Oskido and Angolan singer Yuri da Cunha, went on to be dubbed as the song of the year for 2013 in South Africa. The producers also featured in " Khona", a song which topped many music charts and won several awards in South Africa and beyond including the 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards. In 2015, the collaborating artists undertook solo ambitions. By 2016, the Uhuru brand underwent serious challenges and incorporated a new face. Later in 2016, Uhuru released "Own Devices", "The Sound (Remix)" and '' Free Prophecy, Vol 1.'' under new management, putting to rest rumoured band break-ups.

Band members

Current roster

* (Uhuru is no longer active).

Former acts

Discography

Selected singles

* "Pata Pata" (2012) * "Work" (2012) * "Pepe" (2012) * "Not Yet Uhuru" (2012) * "Umraro" (2012) * "Follow" (2012) * "Ketsetse" (2013) * "Thathi Sgubhu" (2013) * "Ungowami" (2013) * "Sweety Mabhebeza" (2013) * "Y-tjukutja" (2013) * "Raindrops" (2014) * "Nne" (2014) * "Kumi Na Mbili" (2014) * "Kumi Na Tatu" (2014) * "Nane" (2014) * "Kumi" (2014) * "Unity ina Diversity" (2015) * "Duze" (2015) * "Shoota Babylone (2015) * "Circles" (2015)

As featured artists

* " Khona" – Mafikizolo ft. Uhuru (2013) * "Speaker" – Professor ft. Oskido and Uhuru * "Move" –

Becca Becca is a feminine given name, often a short form of Rebecca (given name), Rebecca; however, it is also a name in its own right. People In arts and media Music *Becca (Singer, Songwriter), (Born 1994), Venezuelan Urban Singer *Beca (musician), ...

ft. Uhuru (2014) * "Nakupenda" – Mafikizolo ft. Uhuru (2014) * "Komolop Cholop" – MC Galaxy ft. Uhuru (2015) * "The Sound" –

Davido David Adedeji Adeleke (born November 21, 1992), known professionally as Davido, is a Nigerian American, Nigerian-American singer, songwriter and record producer. Davido was born in Atlanta, U.S, and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. He made his mus ...

ft. Uhuru (2015) * "

The Banger "The Banger" is a single by Nigerian recording artist Runtown, featuring vocals from South African music group Uhuru. It was released as a single off his debut studio album titled '' Ghetto University'' on 9 December 2014 through Eric-Manny En ...

" – Runtown ft. Uhuru (2015) * "The Sound (Remix)" –

ft.

G-Eazy Gerald Earl Gillum (born May 24, 1989), better known by his stage name G-Eazy, is an American rapper. Based in Oakland, California, he began his career in 2006 and released two independent studio albums before signing with RCA Records to releas ...

and Uhuru (2016)

Albums

* ''Symbiose'' (2006) * ''Not Yet'' (2012) * ''Our Father'' (2013) * ''Safari'' (2014) * '' Free Prophecy, Vol 1.'' (2016)

Awards and nominations

*2013 Song of the Year Award *Nominated for 'Best Electronic Act' at the Unsigned Music Awards (UMA's) Troxy Theatre London, 2016

References

External links

* {{Authority control South African musical groups