I was mind-blown trying to figure out what songs she would perform from the new album. At the same time, I wanted to enjoy the new body of work. It felt like walking a tightrope. Then, I accepted that King Zanomculo, affectionately known as KingTha, had arrived, marking the start of the Sankofa era.

The album’s name comes from the Ghanaian language Twi. It means reclaiming what we’ve left behind to make a better path. King Tha, in a regal way splendidly encourages us to take back our power, find our joy, and share our stories.

Existing in the current African dystopia and being graced with an album that is made for such a time as this, is a gift. As the great Nina Simone once said, ‘’How can you be an artist and not reflect the times?’’ After 30 years of democracy, the country is not where people had hoped it would be. South Africa is still traumatized and that has been manifested in the social ills seen daily.

‘’Election season is upon us and there’s an ominous cloud where everyone is wondering what will happen next,’’ King Tha told EWN.

Artistry is a movement. Music is political and the iconic incomparable Thandiswa is unapologetic about using her voice as a political instrument. 20 years following her debut album, Zabalaza, she continues to craft culturally relevant sounds that will forever be entrenched in history.

Leaving home with my mother and sister on Saturday, the day before Mother’s Day, we made our way to the Sankofa album launch at Carnival City in Johannesburg. Filled with exhilaration and anticipation for the night ahead, I eagerly embraced the opportunity to immerse myself in that moment. I could see that this was a truly special Mother’s Day gift for my mom. My childhood was enriched by the sounds of Zabalaza songs on Kaya FM, thanks to my dear mother. Being present in the same room to experience Sankofa together was a moment of pure transcendence, completing a circle of cherished memories and profound connection.

As we entered the arena, we were welcomed by a thought-provoking poem by Ntsiki Mazwai the sister of Thandiswa. Followed by Ukuxhentsa a traditional Xhosa Dance to summon and honour the spirit of her late mother, Belede. The atmosphere within the arena was suddenly saturated with a spirit of unity as she sought guidance from her spirit guides, to use her gift to take us to loftier realms of experience.

 Draped in a suggestion of a blue designer dress by Black Coffee, with her cowrie shells crowning her hair, you immediately felt that she was there to soar. She opened her set with “Biko speaks” urging us to open ourselves to the dream, aspiration, and hope that has been led for us as African people to see it and step into it. Followed by “Thonga Lam” At that point all of us had left the arena physically to meet with the women who shaped and inspired her journey as she sang Nizalwa Ngobani acknowledging the power, and strength of those women such as Umama Winnie Mandela, Mariam Makeba and all the insurgent women in our lives. And of course the beautiful tribute to the extraordinary late Brenda Fassie., we surely danced, laughed, and were reminded of the greatness of the female energy.

Sankofa, the 10-track record with a short 40-second interlude is her fourth solo album recorded between Johannesburg, Senegal, and New York. It explores Pan-Africanism, cultural preservation, childhood traumas, and hints of political revolutionary songs. The bedrock of the sound is Traditional Xhosa instruments from archived field recordings which became a universal conversation between South Africa, West Africa, and the diaspora in America.

“Kulungile” being the first single of the album has encapsulated what the entire body of work is about; a deep reflection of self, childhood trauma, and the continuous work that is required towards forgiveness and a healing nation. 

“Sabela” probed us to figure out what we have been called to do to better humanity, being of service in truth and love she sang us into existence and commanded us to step into our essence and know that we are excellent. Accompanied by the ever-so-graceful Thandi Ntuli she performed “Xandibona wena” a song dedicated to her lover, and this led us to a sacred space of companionship and love.

The Album launch went higher and higher and culminated in the makings of her which ended the night with her classic hit songs Ingoma and Ndilinde and we were all reminded that we were in the presence of greatness.

My favourite aspect of attending live music events is returning home, charged with the energy the music has imparted, and purposefully embracing personal growth and meaningful service. As I arrived home, my spirit brimmed with love and a renewed determination to make a difference in my life. It felt like a rebirth, a fresh start.

Oh, what a euphoric feeling!

The launch of Sankofa and the celebration of Zabalaza, Thandiswa’s magnum opus was an integration of chants, dances, hymns, love, healing, and strength. We were truly embellished by King Tha’s revolutionary spirit. 

In our journeys of amending brokenness, getting grounded, and reaching our highest self and healing we will lead and be guided in Sankofa. The offering is jazzy, melancholic, and a reflection of the African identity.