Skhanga Moves Forward with Pride and Purpose on Zikhonkotha Ehambayo

Featuring Shenge Wasehlalankosi, MaGumede, Nzuzo wezihlabani, KaMaphanga, Yolokazi, Nkosazane Minnie, Londeka Shangase and Thembani

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, 23 September 2023  – South African maskandi artist Skhanga presents his new album, Zikhonkotha Ehambayo, an eight-track project exploring love, pride, perseverance, legacy and community through the storytelling tradition of maskandi.

The album takes its name from the isiZulu idiom Zikhonkotha ehambayo, which translates to “they bark at a moving one.” Like dogs barking at a moving car, the saying speaks to the criticism that often follows those who are going somewhere. Its message is simple: do not be distracted by naysayers. It is often the people taking action, making progress and moving forward who attract the most criticism.

That philosophy sits at the heart of Skhanga’s new project. Across eight tracks, he celebrates his roots while reflecting on the determination it takes to keep moving despite outside noise. Traditional maskandi storytelling meets a contemporary sound, creating an album grounded in where Skhanga comes from while looking confidently towards where he is going.

Zikhonkotha Ehambayo brings together Shenge Wasehlalankosi, MaGumede, Nzuzo wezihlabani, KaMaphanga, Yolokazi, Nkosazane Minnie, Londeka Shangase and Thembani, with each collaborator adding another perspective to the album’s themes of identity, relationships and shared experience.

At the centre of the project is focus track “Sine Pride,” featuring Shenge Wasehlalankosi and MaGumede. Meaning “We Have Pride,” the song is an uplifting celebration of identity, achievement and self-belief.

Through the track, Skhanga encourages listeners to recognise how far they have come and take pride in who they are. Shenge Wasehlalankosi and MaGumede build on that message, bringing additional depth and energy to a song rooted in cultural pride, resilience and collective confidence.

Together, Zikhonkotha Ehambayo and “Sine Pride” capture an artist refusing to stand still. Skhanga acknowledges the noise that comes with progress, but chooses to keep moving, carrying his culture, community and sense of self with him.

Zikhonkotha Ehambayo by Skhanga is available across all major digital streaming platforms.