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Khona

Summary

"Khona" is a song by South African duo Mafikizolo. It was released as the lead single from their eighth studio album, Reunited (2013). The song features additional vocals from Uhuru and was released by Kalawa Jazmee Records.[2] "Khona" peaked at number one on Afribiz's Top 100 chart and reached number two on the Metro FM music chart.[3][2][4] The song made Prisoner of Class' list of the top 10 African songs of 2013, landing at number one.[5]

"Khona"
Single by Mafikizolo featuring Uhuru
from the album Reunited
ReleasedJanuary 10, 2013 (2013-01-10)[1]
Recorded2012
Genre
Length4:55
LabelKalawa Jazmee Records
Songwriter(s)
  • Theo Kgosinkwe
  • Nhlanhla Nciza
  • Themba Sekowe
  • Xelimpilo Simelane
  • Sihle Dlalisa
Producer(s)Uhuru
Mafikizolo singles chronology
"Khona"
(2013) 		"Happiness"
(2013)
Music video
"Khona" on YouTube

"Khona" received positive reviews from music consumers, who admired its syncopated rhythmic drumbeat sound. The song has elevated the South African house genre to some extent, and was released with the idea that music can influence a large demography of people across the African continent.[4] "Khona" won several accolades, including Record of the Year at the 20th South African Music Awards and Song of the Year at the 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards.

Background edit

"Khona" was written and composed in Zulu by Theo Kgosinkwe, Nhlanhla Nciza and Uhuru. It translates to there or at that place.[6] The release of "Khona" marked the official reunion of the musical duo, who took significant time off to work on their solo careers. Prior to releasing "Khona", Mafikizolo were precisely known for putting out wedding-inspired themes. In a nutshell, "Khona" features West African influences and a house instrumental.[2] The duo opted for a fresh sound to complement their return to the South African music industry. Commenting on their newly discovered sound, Nhlanhla stated: "We had Afro-pop songs, but we also wanted a fresh sound. Oskido wasn't sure about the direction and neither were we. One of the things we are worried about is that the new sound is young."[2] In addition to bringing about a new sound, the duo also revamped their physical image. Nhlanhla commented on Mafikizolo's new image, saying, "With Reunited we are inspired by the white 1950s and 1960s culture of roller skates and drive-ins and diners."[2]

To some degree, Mafikizolo's decision to reunite was a conscious one due to the failure of numerous bands that stage comebacks after a hiatus. Theo commented on the downside of reunions, saying, "What makes this scary is that previous bands who did reunions and comeback albums didn’t work out. And if it doesn’t work out it may wipe out your history."[2] While recording "Khona" and other tracks on the album, Mafikizolo admitted to being scared of people's reaction to their new sound. They specifically said, "We were exploring different sounds and were worried about how people would react after such a long time, but it is also what motivated us".[2]

Music video edit

The accompanying music video for "Khona" was uploaded to YouTube on April 19, 2013, at a total length of 4 minutes and 12 seconds. The video features geometric shape patterns and colorful costume designs. It surpassed five million views on YouTube, and has challenged the representation of masculinity in Africa. Vada Magazine said, "Although Mafikizolo haven’t been forthcoming on any symbolic meaning behind the placement of these dancers, their bold decision to place them so prominently could still be seen as a potentially dangerous idea on a continent where homosexuality is illegal in 34 countries."[7]

Critical reception edit

In a review for Music Industry Online, Phathu Ratshilumela praised the song's arrangement and mixing, noting it "has a catch storyline with an easy to memorize vocals".[8]

Accolades edit

Year Awards ceremony Award description(s) Results Ref
2014 South African Music Awards Record of the Year Won [9]
Best Ring Back Tone Won
Best Selling Full Track Download Won
Best Selling Mobile Music Download Won
African Muzik Magazine Awards Best Video of the Year Nominated [10][11]
Best Collabo Won
Song of the Year Nominated
MTV Africa Music Awards Song of the Year Won [12]
2013 Channel O Music Video Awards Most Gifted Dance Video Won [13]
Most Gifted Video of the Year Nominated
4Syte TV Music Video Awards Best African Act Video Won [14][15]
MTV Europe Music Awards Best African Act Nominated [16]
MOBO Awards Nominated [17]

Live performances edit

 
Mafikizolo performing "Khona" at the 2014 MAMAs.

On April 5 and 6, Mafikizolo performed "Khona" at the 2013 Cape Town International Jazz Festival.[18] A day before their performance at the festival, Mafikizolo stopped by SABC 3's Expresso Morning Show for an interview.[19] Moments after their interview, they performed "Khona" to Expresso's TV viewers.[20] A minuscule level of controversy arose after their Expresso performance. Many people felt the duo lip synced and didn't put much effort into their performance.

On May 26, 2013, Mafikizolo performed "Khona" at Big Brother Africa: The Chase's launch show alongside Kenya's Stella Mwangi and Nigeria's Don Jazzy, Wande Coal and D'Prince.[21] On June 23, 2013, the duo performed the song at the 2013 DKM concert, which featured additional performances from D'banj, 2 Chainz, Olamide, Fally Ipupa, Naeto C and Kayswitch.[22][23] On September 1, 2013, Mafikizolo performed "Khona" at the 2013 edition of the Jazz on the Lake concert in Johannesburg.[24]

On November 22, 2013, Mafikizolo performed the song at the Caribbean American and African Nations Awards, which took place in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The ceremony featured additional performances from Sean Kingston, Samini, King Sunny Adé, Tuface Idibia, Banky W., Timi Dakolo, Wizkid, Kcee, Sean Tizzle and Daddy Showkey.[25] Mafikizolo performed alongside Zahara, Mi Casa, Dr Malinga, DJ Sbu, DJ Zinhle, Big Nuz, Professor, Oskido and AKA, at the Christmas with Our People Music Concert.[26]

Covers and remixes edit

The radio version of "Khona", which was played on several radio stations across Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa and Ghana, differs slightly from the version that appeared on the album. "Khona" has been remixed and covered by established and promising acts in Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa. Nigerian record producer Samklef created his version of the song by interpolating the original instrumental.[27] Singer Terry G released a cover of "Khona", titled "Ora". Ghanaian rapper Guru also released his own rendition of the song. In April 2014, Nigerian rapper Lyrikal released "Khona Gongo (freestyle)", a song from his second mixtape O.C.D (2014).[28]

Track listing, covers, and remixes edit

No.TitleArtist(s)Length
1."Khona" (featuring Uhuru and Mapiano)Uhuru and Mapiano4:55
2."Khona (Radio edit)" (featuring Uhuru)Mafikizolo and Uhuru[29]4:07
3."Khona (Instrumental)"—[30]4:50
4."Prayer of Life (Amin) (Khona Cover)"Samklef [31]2:55
5."Khona (Mafikizolo Khona Cover)"Guru[32]2:48
6."Ora (Khona cover)"Terry G[33]4:32
7."Khona Gongo (freestyle)"Lyrikal2:41
Notes
  • "—" denotes an instrumental

Charts edit

Weekly charts edit

Chart (2013) Peak
position
South Africa (EMA)[34] 7

References edit

  1. ^ "Khona (Feat. Uhuru) (Radio Edit) - Single by Mafikizolo". iTunes. January 2013. Archived from the original on 2016-03-05. Retrieved 2014-07-01.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Owen, Therese (13 March 2013). "Reunited Mafikizolo are back with a bang". IOL. Archived from the original on 10 December 2013. Retrieved 5 December 2013.
  3. ^ "Afribiz Top 100 Music Charts". Afribizcharts. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 5 December 2013.
  4. ^ a b "Mafikizolo return with a vengeance?". Entertainment Nigeria.mobi. Archived from the original on 10 December 2013. Retrieved 4 December 2013.
  5. ^ "Top 10 Songs in Africa (2013)". Prisonerofclass. 9 July 2013. Archived from the original on 15 December 2013. Retrieved 4 December 2013.
  6. ^ "Mafikizolo's Khona rules in Ghana". Ghanamusic. 28 October 2013. Archived from the original on 4 December 2013. Retrieved 5 December 2013.
  7. ^ "Khona: Challenging Masculinity in Africa". Vada Magazine. 4 September 2013. Retrieved 5 December 2013.
  8. ^ "Mafikizolo:Reunited". MIO. 12 April 2013. Archived from the original on 12 December 2013. Retrieved 5 December 2013.
  9. ^ "Here are all the 2014 Sama winners". News 24. 28 April 2014. Archived from the original on 18 October 2023. Retrieved 9 March 2024.
  10. ^ "See Nominees for the African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) 2014". Bellanaija. 9 June 2014. Archived from the original on 28 July 2014. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
  11. ^ "Sarkodie, Fuse ODG, DJ Black, others win at AFRIMMA Awards". Ghana Web. 27 July 2014. Archived from the original on 10 August 2014. Retrieved 28 July 2014.
  12. ^ "All the MTV Africa Music Awards winners". The Citizen. 8 June 2014. Archived from the original on 8 June 2014. Retrieved 7 June 2014.
  13. ^ "Channel O Music Video Awards 2013: Full List Of Winners". 360nobs. 30 November 2013. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 3 December 2013.
  14. ^ "2013 4syte TV Music Video Awards launched". Citifm Online. 6 October 2013. Archived from the original on 11 December 2013. Retrieved 5 December 2013.
  15. ^ "Mafikizolo Best African Act". Twitter. Archived from the original on 16 December 2013. Retrieved 5 December 2013.
  16. ^ "MTV EMA 'Best African Act' Nominations Round-Up". OkayAfrica. 24 September 2013. Archived from the original on 16 October 2013. Retrieved 4 December 2013.
  17. ^ "MOBO Awards 2013 - Nominations List Revealed!". Mobo. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 4 December 2013.
  18. ^ "Line-Up for Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2013". Cape Town Magazine. Archived from the original on 6 December 2013. Retrieved 3 December 2013.
  19. ^ "Interview with Mafikizolo (5.4.2013)". YouTube. 5 April 2013. Archived from the original on 5 June 2014. Retrieved 3 December 2013.
  20. ^ "Mafikizolo perform "Khona " Live on expresso (5.4.2013)". YouTube. 5 April 2013. Archived from the original on 5 June 2014. Retrieved 3 December 2013.
  21. ^ "Mafikizolo to perform at the BBA launch show". Multichoice. 21 May 2013. Archived from the original on 11 December 2013. Retrieved 3 December 2013.
  22. ^ "D'banj, 2chainz, Mafikizolo, Olamide and others rock the stage at DKM Concert Lagos". Zimbio. 24 June 2013. Retrieved 3 December 2013.
  23. ^ "Nigeria: D'Banj, 2Chainz Set for DKM Five-Star Concert". AllAfrica. 21 June 2013. Archived from the original on 11 December 2013. Retrieved 2 December 2013.
  24. ^ "20-08-2013: Johannesburg Arts Alive 2013 Jazz on the Lake". Joburg. Archived from the original on 11 December 2013. Retrieved 4 December 2013.
  25. ^ "CAAN Awards: Sean Kingston, Mafikizolo, Others Storm Bayelsa Tonite". PMNews. 22 November 2013. Archived from the original on 15 January 2014. Retrieved 4 December 2013.
  26. ^ "Motsepe Foundation Christmas with Our People Concerts". Twitter. Archived from the original on 23 January 2014. Retrieved 4 December 2013.
  27. ^ "NETPod: Samklef remixes Mafikizolo's 'Khona' on 'Prayer of life'". Nigerian Entertainment Today. 12 August 2013. Archived from the original on 19 December 2013. Retrieved 3 December 2013.
  28. ^ Alonge, Osagie (6 April 2014). "Stream and download Lyrikal's 'O.C.D' mixtape". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 14 April 2014.
  29. ^ "Khona (feat. Uhuru) (Radio Edit) - Single by Mafikizolo". iTunes. 10 January 2013. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 5 December 2013.
  30. ^ "Exclusive - Khona (Instrumental) Mafikizolo Ft Uhuru". Naijakings. Archived from the original on 12 November 2013. Retrieved 5 December 2013.
  31. ^ "Samklef – Prayer of Life (Amin) [Khona Cover]". Naijabambam. Archived from the original on 13 October 2013. Retrieved 3 December 2013.
  32. ^ "Guru – Khona (Mafikizolo Khona Cover)". Ghanamotion. 3 December 2013. Archived from the original on 1 November 2013. Retrieved 31 October 2013.
  33. ^ "MUSIC: TERRY G – ORA (Khona cover)". Hiphopworldmagazine. Archived from the original on 5 December 2013. Retrieved 3 December 2013.
  34. ^ "South African Airplay Chart Top 10 - June 4, 2013". Entertainment Monitoring Africa. Archived from the original on April 19, 2014. Retrieved April 25, 2014.

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