Uhuru ( Swahili: ''freedom'') were a

South Africa South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa (RSA), is the southernmost country in Africa. It is bounded to the south by of coastline that stretch along the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans; to the north by the neighbouring countri ...

n musical group best known for producing the hit single "

Khona "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. In South Africa, ...

" performed by

Mafikizolo Mafikizolo is a South African Afro-pop music duo formed in 1996, consisting of composer Theo Kgosinkwe and lead singer Nhlanhla Nciza. The duo rose to fame after they released their singles "Ndihamba Nawe kuphela", "Kwela Kwela", "Sibongile", "U ...

. Signed to Kalawa Jazmee, the band consisted of Nqobile Mahlanu (Mapiano), Sihle Dlalisisa (DJ Clap), Xelimpilo Simelane (Xeli) and Themba Sekowe (

DJ Maphorisa Themba Sonnyboy Sekowe (born ), known professionally as DJ Maphorisa, is a South African DJ, record producer, singer, and songwriter. As a record producer with a blend of house music, amapiano and afropop, he has worked with and has received ...

). Independently, Uhuru is best known for hit remixes like "Y-tjukutja" and "The Sound".

Background

Prior to collaborating in 2012, Mapiano and Xeli were friends who were into playing contemporary African jazz in

Soshanguve Soshanguve is a Township (South Africa), township situated about 30 km north of Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa along Mabopane, and Ga-Rankuwa. The name Soshanguve is an acronym for Sotho, Shangaan, Nguni and Venda, thus showing the multi- ...

where they originated from. The band members were signed through DJ Clap who was already an artiste signed to Kalawa Jazmee Records. Uhuru manages artwork and production in house as DJ Clap, Mapiano and Xeli mainly act as DJ, pianist and vocalist respectively.

Career

Uhuru shot into limelight in 2013 after the release of the chart-topping single titled "Y-tjukutja", which went on to be dubbed as the song of the year for 2013 in South Africa. The producers also featured in "

", a song which topped many music charts and won several awards in South Africa and beyond including the 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards. In 2015, the collaborating artists undertook solo ambitions. By 2016, the Uhuru brand underwent serious challenges and incorporated a new face. Later in 2016, Uhuru released "Own Devices", "The Sound (Remix)" and '' Free Prophecy, Vol 1.'' under new management, putting to rest rumoured band break-ups.

Band members

Current roster

* (Uhuru is no longer active)

Former acts

Discography

Selected singles

* "Pata Pata" (2012) * "Work" (2012) * "Pepe" (2012) * "Not Yet Uhuru" (2012) * "Umraro" (2012) * "Follow" (2012) * "Ketsetse" (2013) * "Thathi Sgubhu" (2013) * "Ungowami" (2013) * "Sweety Mabhebeza" (2013) * "Y-tjukutja" (2013) * "Raindrops" (2014) * "Nne" (2014) * "Kumi Na Mbili" (2014) * "Kumi Na Tatu" (2014) * "Nane" (2014) * "Kumi" (2014) * "Unity ina Diversity" (2015) * "Duze" (2015) * "Shoota Babylone (2015) * "Circles" (2015)

As featured artists

* "

" –

ft. Uhuru (2013) * "Speaker" – Professor ft.

Oskido Oscar Sibonginkosi Mdlongwa (born 29 November 1967) is a South African recording artist, DJ, record producer and businessman. Having been in the music industry for over 26 years, Oskido has reached a prominent status in the South African mus ...

and Uhuru * "Move" –

Becca Becca is a feminine given name, often a short form of Rebecca; however, it is also a name in its own right. People In arts and media Music * Becca (Singer, Songwriter), (Born 1994), Venezuelan Urban Singer * Beca (musician), American singer *Bec ...

ft. Uhuru (2014) * "Nakupenda" –

ft. Uhuru (2014) * "Komolop Cholop" – MC Galaxy ft. Uhuru (2015) * "The Sound" –

Davido David Adedeji Adeleke (born November 21, 1992), popularly known by his stage name Davido, is an American-Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer. His music blends traditional African elements with global mainstream pop. Davido is widel ...

ft. Uhuru (2015) * "

The Banger "The Banger" is a single by Nigerian recording artist Runtown, featuring vocals from South African music group Uhuru. It was released as a single off his debut studio album titled ''Ghetto University'' on 9 December 2014 through Eric-Manny Ente ...

" –

Runtown Douglas Jack Agu (born 19 August 1989), better known by his stage name Runtown, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and producer. Biography Runtown was born on 19 August 1989 in Enugu but grew up partly in Abuja and Lagos, where he finished his ...

ft. Uhuru (2015) * "The Sound (Remix)" –

ft.

G-Eazy Gerald Earl Gillum (born May 24, 1989), better known by his stage name G-Eazy, is an American rapper. His first major-label album, '' These Things Happen'', was released on June 23, 2014, and peaked at number 3 on the US ''Billboard'' 200 ...

and Uhuru (2016)

Albums

* ''Symbiose'' (2006) * ''Not Yet'' (2012) * ''Our Father'' (2013) * ''Safari'' (2014) * '' Free Prophecy, Vol 1.'' (2016)

Awards and nominations

*2013 Song of the Year Award *Nominated for 'Best Electronic Act' at the Unsigned Music Awards (UMA's) Troxy Theatre London, 2016

References

External links

* {{Authority control South African musical groups South African musicians