Zandie Khumalo Releases ‘Messiah’ for the Holidays
Zandie Khumalo, the younger sister of Afropop star Kelly Khumalo, has just released her latest single, Messiah, which she hopes will become a festive season hit. Known for her 2018 debut album Izikhali ZamaNtungwa, Zandie has made a name for herself in Afropop, maskandi, and gospel genres.
In a recent interview with TshisaLIVE, she shared that Messiah is an up-tempo dance track that celebrates God, aiming to bring joy while also reminding listeners to stay connected to their faith during the holiday season.
With the music industry shifting towards singles over full albums, Zandie explained that she’s holding off on releasing a full-length album, despite having one ready. She observed that people today often don’t have time to listen to 13-song albums, even if they’re of high quality, as listeners now have endless music choices.
Releasing singles, she noted, allows her to avoid the risk of an album where only a couple of tracks might gain traction. Additionally, recording full albums with live bands and session musicians is costly, making single releases more practical.
For Messiah, Zandie collaborated with notable producers Scelo Nkomo of Woodblock DJs and Blaq Major, whose track Sdakiwe Sbali is currently a No. 1 hit in South Africa. These partnerships have enabled her to craft a sound that feels fresh and appeals to a broad audience.
Zandie’s collaboration with other leading musicians reflects her ambition to keep her music vibrant and relevant as she gears up for the holiday season.
As the festive season approaches, Zandie is focusing on both recording new music and planning TV appearances to promote her work. She recognizes that this period is critical for artists and is putting her best foot forward to capture the excitement of the season.
Additionally, she has some feature projects lined up, aiming to keep her sound dynamic and connected with her audience. This strategy is part of her plan to make the most of the festive season’s bustling entertainment landscape.
Zandie’s approach to single releases not only adapts to the current industry trends but also shows her dedication to putting out quality music without overwhelming her audience. Her awareness of shifting listener habits and the economics of music production underlines her strategic mindset, ensuring her songs reach listeners without the financial strain of full albums.
This thoughtful approach helps her navigate the industry sustainably while keeping her fans engaged.
Looking ahead, Zandie Khumalo remains committed to producing high-quality singles and exploring collaboration opportunities that reflect her versatility in genres.
By focusing on singles and timely releases, she’s carving a path that allows her to remain connected to her fans and the broader music scene, all while honoring her roots in gospel and traditional African sounds.
