Amapiano Artist CowBoii Discusses Healing Through Music in New Album 'iKati Elimhlophe'

Popular amapiano artist CowBoii shared his personal experience, discussing how music aids him in the healing process. Despite becoming one of the most recognizable voices in the genre, the artist admits that a significant part of his recovery has been due to music.

New Album and Its Themes

He presented fans with the emotional world of his new album 'iKati Elimhlophe' through the single 'uHAMBO 2.0'. This track is a duet with Azi and explores themes such as self-reflection, healing, and reconnecting with home. The song is based on a story from his previous album 'This Ain’t A.I: Days After A.I', giving listeners a preview of the content of 'iKati Elimhlophe'.

The album, released on June 30th, addresses issues of identity, love, aspirations, community, and personal growth, utilizing CowBoii's signature blend of storytelling and innovation in amapiano.

The Journey From Church to Success

CowBoii reflected on his journey, recalling how he started singing in a church in Davington before becoming one of the country's biggest amapiano vocalists. He noted that his younger self would be proud of who he has become and expressed gratitude for the path that led him to recognition as one of South Africa's leading vocalists.

Although his hits like 'Biri Marung' and 'eGoli' have become soundtracks for dance floors across the nation, CowBoii emphasizes that honest storytelling has always been at the core of his creativity. He explained that he realized he was more comfortable singing about things that were real to him and that he genuinely related to, which prompted him to create deeper and more personal compositions.

The Importance of Returning Home

This sincerity is the driving force behind the song 'uHAMBO 2.0', which is dedicated to returning home for regrouping. CowBoii considers this particularly important because his career constantly takes him across the country and beyond. He explains that due to constant travel, people can forget who they truly are, making a pause and returning to a familiar and safe place critical for recharging before facing the world.

While his music often touches upon themes of vulnerability, CowBoii admitted that opening up is not easy. He added that he finds healing in writing, and music has always served as a means of self-expression for him, which he believes makes his music honest and relatable to the audience.

Evolution and Future Influence

As amapiano evolves, so does CowBoii. From the success of songs like 'Biri Marung', 'eGoli', and 'Mdantso Nyana' to presenting 'iKati Elimhlophe' to the world, he believes that staying open to collaboration is necessary to remain relevant while maintaining the sound that initially attracted listeners. He stressed that working with different artists is one of the best ways to continue growing, adapting to changes in the genre, and remaining consistent without losing his essence.

Beyond music, CowBoii has expanded his influence through initiatives such as CowBoii Grooves and has become a style role model for many young South Africans. In the future, he hopes his legacy will extend far beyond music. He wants people to know that he has always wished the best for everyone, regardless of industry, which is why he engages in various activities. Ultimately, he aims for his legacy to be about creating opportunities, inspiring others, and witnessing everyone's success.

iol.co.zaJuly 28, 07:00

Thembinkosi created the EP 'Themba iNkosi', focused on spiritual message rather than commercial execution

For Thembinkosi, the release of 'Themba iNkosi' was never conceived as an album based on polished performances or commercial expectations. The artist stated that his goal was not just to sing, but for the songs to first serve him personally.

Spiritual Shift in Creativity

The EP, born from humility, faith, and the desire to create music that transcends entertainment, represents a complete spiritual and creative reboot for Thembinkosi. Although his early works were shaped by the church, traditions, and gospel sound, over time he felt a divine calling to let go of the familiar.

He shared that for a long time his lyrics were based on what he knew, but then came a spiritual period when God called him to complete submission, even regarding good things. It was a call to obedience, not to rejection.

Search for Authenticity

This transition was not motivated by a desire for commercial revival. Instead, it arose from one honest question: 'If no one listened, what would I still sing?' This question gave birth to 'Themba iNkosi,' which is not a continuation of the past, but a new chapter based on sincerity, obedience, and humility.

This search for truth influenced every aspect of the EP, including the approach to his own voice. Thembinkosi aimed for each song to carry a spiritual meaning before reaching the listeners, instead of focusing on technical perfection. He emphasized that his voice is merely a vessel that he prays will carry conviction, not just notes.

Philosophy of Live Performance

Recording with a live band allowed vulnerability to remain at the core of the project. He explained that recording live helped preserve honesty and imperfection, as the Spirit speaks through vulnerability. Each recording was a prayer, not a performance, like a son speaking to his Father. If the message reached hearts, it was through the Spirit, not through him personally.

The philosophy extends to the music itself. While 'Themba iNkosi' is rooted in contemporary Afro-gospel, it also incorporates modern gospel influences and live instrumental accompaniment. For him, worship has never belonged to a single musical style. He believes that blending Afro-gospel roots with modern styles allows different generations to find common ground through worship, thereby asserting that God continues to speak the language of the current generation.

Recording Process and Personal Stories

The recording process became another defining part of the EP. Working with producer Mjakes Thebe and the live band at Moya Sound created an atmosphere where authenticity was the priority. In the Moya Sound studio, the room itself became a sanctuary, and they were not chasing perfection, but seeking authenticity. The musicians focused on creating an atmosphere reflecting sincere worship, rather than endless repetitions.

Thembinkosi believes that even mistakes became part of the story. He asserts that slips, pauses, and unexpected bursts are not flaws, but testimonies reminding that God acts through imperfection, and His strength manifests in weakness.

Behind the music lies a deeply personal story. Recent hardships strengthened his reliance on God and inspired the themes of faith, humility, and divine guidance that permeate the project. He decided to share these experiences through songs, viewing it as service rather than a performance. He hopes that listeners will hear the honesty when they press play.

He described the EP as music that embraces life's uncertainty while pointing toward hope. For him, success lies in the listener feeling that the artist struggles with God just as much as he does, and creates beauty from it.