DE MTHUDA SETS THE PACE WITH GIJIMA FT. ZAWADI YAMUNGU AND EXPLORES FUTURISTIC AMAPIANO ON NEW ALBUM MTHUTHUZELI
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- April 29, 2025
Mthuthuzeli: The powerhouse producer’s latest album arrives on 30 April 2025, packed with bold collaborations
and future forward Amapiano sounds
Renowned South African producer and pioneer of the Amapiano sound, De Mthuda, is back with his most anticipated body of work to date – the self-titled album Mthuthuzeli. A masterclass in musical evolution, the album is a bold statement of intent honouring his roots while propelling the genre into new terrain.
Among the project’s many gems is Gijima, featuring rising vocalist Zawadi Yamungu – a high-energy track built for global dancefloors, from the underground clubs of Johannesburg to the summer terraces of Ibiza. Steeped in rhythm and cultural pride, Gijima celebrates movement, identity, and sonic exploration. The track pulses with urgency and soul, layered with Zawadi’s emotive vocals and a bold, repetitive chorus that honours her Zulu heritage while commanding international appeal.
@theyanosplug Energy was unmatched at De Mthuda’s #MTHUTHUZELI listening session! From bangers to big moments — this album is about to shake things up. Dropping 30 April. [song id]: GIJIMA – De Mthuda & Zawadi YaMungu Part 2 loading. #demthuda #theyanosplug #zawadiyamungu #amapiano #fyp #tiktoksa ♬ original sound – The Yanos Plug 🔌 🌎
“Gijima means ‘run’ – and that’s what this song is doing,” says De Mthuda. “It’s running with energy, with pride, with sound. Zawadi gave it a spirit I’ve never heard before. It feels African, but it’s ready for the world.”
‘MTHUTHUZELI’ is now available – listen here! CLICK HERE
On Mthuthuzeli, De Mthuda leans deeper into his reputation as a trailblazer. From his genre-defining hits on The Landlord to the soul-stirring soundscapes of Ace of Spades and the fearless experimentation of Baba Yaga, he’s continually expanded the possibilities of Amapiano. His past collaborations – from “John Wick” and “Abekho Ready (Maplankeng Reshuffle)” with Sir Trill to “Shesha Geza” with Njelic – have become cultural landmarks. Yet it’s his relentless innovation, even when it defies expectation, that cements his role as one of the genre’s most vital architects.
On Mthuthuzeli, he doubles down on that legacy, crafting an album that transcends borders and genres while remaining deeply rooted in the soul of South African music. From the Afro-jazz fusion of the intro Classic Wave to the subtle Maskandi textures of iLanga (feat Nia Pearl & Tman Express) and Weekend Aziwe (feat. Aymos), De Mthuda weaves heritage into a truly global soundscape.
Tracks like Diwa Kae and Imikhuleko (feat. Sam Deep, Mr Brown & Baby SON) pulse with a Latin American flair – a bold choice that expands the album’s reach without compromising its authenticity. Meanwhile, the four-by-four House rhythms of Sukuma (feat. Murumba Pitch & Major League), Vhamba Nawe (feat. Tman Express), and the standout Gijima are primed for the international stage, signalling De Mthuda’s global ambitions for the genre.
The album also embraces emotion with the soulful trio Emakhaya, Baninzi (both featuring Mthunzi), and Wena Baby (feat. Sino Msolo), where De Mthuda’s talent for emotionally resonant production shines brighter than ever. And on Morena (feat. Acatears), he returns to the iconic log drum for a Sotho gospel-inspired anthem — a bold and reverent blend of spiritual energy and Amapiano rhythm.
@theyanosplug Next thing you’re repenting instead of reviewing tracks. We’re not ready for #MTHUTHUZELI on 30 April! 🔌🔥 #demthuda #acatears #theyanosplug #yanosplug #amapiano #fyp #tiktoksa ♬ original sound – The Yanos Plug 🔌 🌎
At the heart of this expansive journey is Gijima, a track that captures the spirit of Mthuthuzeli; urgent, soulful, proudly African, and globally minded. Zawadi Yamungu brings raw power and refined control to the track, her performance bridging the spiritual and the sensual, rooted in her lineage while reaching beyond borders.
“This album is the journey,” says De Mthuda. “It’s where I started, where I am, and where Amapiano is going next.”
More than just a collection of tracks, Mthuthuzeli is a statement – a bold step forward for a producer who continues to shape the genre from the inside out. With this album, De Mthuda doesn’t just ride the Amapiano wave – he drives it.
Gijima and the full Mthuthuzeli album will be available on all major digital platforms from 30 April 2025.
De Mthuda isn’t chasing trends. He’s making them. And Mthuthuzeli is proof.
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