If you’re a true fan of good music and have your ear tuned to the South African music scene, you already know Lungelo Manzi is one of the country’s best-kept secrets. This September, he’s set to bless us with a Neo-Soul/Rap project that’s equal parts heartfelt and thought-provoking.
INYANGA is a concise yet rich collection of soulful sounds and introspective storytelling, exploring themes of gratitude, personal growth, family, and love. Entirely composed by MetzMusic, the project serves as a prelude to Manzi’s forthcoming sophomore album, MIGRANT.
The line, “Full moons, a cue to just rekindle instead of quit”—taken from the outro track Indlela—beautifully captures the spirit of INYANGA: a return to creativity, a rekindling of purpose, and a celebration of resilience after a brief hiatus.
The cover art is an original painting by ELLA with design by Lungelo Manzi himself, adding another personal touch to the release.
Having been fortunate enough to play this project on repeat, I can confidently say INYANGA is something special. Mark your calendars—September is not just another month; it’s the moment we receive a short but soul-stirring collection from one of SA’s most underrated gems.