JEFF MALULEKE is an artist destined for greatness in the realm of world music across the globe. Maluleke celebrates the release of his brand new album that is sure to solidify the artist’s dominance of the world music market in this country and be a launch pad to the international expanse. The supremely talented guitarist, singer and songwriter could be regarded as the golden child in the world music fraternity in his own country. He is also lauded for his artistic aptitude in many parts of Africa, where he has planted musical seeds with various Pan African tours and performances over the last few years. Maluleke has received numerous accolades success for his work over the years including two Kora all Africa music awards for the album Kilimanjaro in 2001 as well as a sama for the beat African Pop for the same project. Maluleke has however only touched the surface of his inherent music well as he reckons he is just getting started. Maluleke states, this is the birth of world music in this country, with regards to his brand new album he titles Ndzilo (fire). The luminous star feels he still has much to prove and has his sights set on greater local recognition and at the same time he hopes to show his musical worth to an international audience.

A member of the Shangaan Tribe, Maluleke has endeared himself to scores of music lovers in this country and across the continent. His previous albums in the 1998 solo debut, Juliana, the classic recording Kilimanjaro (2000) and his equally brilliant last offering Mambo (2002), has made an indelible impression in the local music industry.

And now after a suffering of a three year lead period, followers of the artist’s music are now finally blessed with a brand new album titled – Ndzilo (fire). The album is founded on abundant African themes layered with West African, Afro Pop and Folk Music, which is in keeping with the artist’s afro-centric music character. He fuses a range of influences, both western and abundantly African, to create a distinctly world music aesthetic that is sure to appeal to music audiences on the pan African international front.

Maluleke’s music transcends the borders of cultural classification and crosses over into many music streams to create a melodic and rhythmic impulse that tugs at the heartstrings of all music lovers. The new album recaptures the infectious spirit of such musical gems as the undeniable classic song-piece Kilimanjaro, among other titles.

Nzilo still has the sound bits that rendered Maluleke as Musical Innovator, only this time around he adds new sonic textures to his sound with his the assistance of music impresario and Mentor- Don Laka. Maluleke entrusts Laka with the Production work on his new album, which boasts a bigger and more open sound than his previous albums according to the subject. Laka makes use of synthesis sounds with keyboard accompaniment as well as horn arrangements as opposed to the straight forward acoustic sound of Maluleke’s recordings.

The album features the engaging opening title Welela that is a beautiful melody written in Maluleke’s native Shangaan, and that speaks of his journey in music and life and his god-given experiences, which has shaped his character. On the song Tambayo, Maluleke flaunts his rich vocal depth with its hoarse texture that adds to the world music feel of his recording. The songs, Tambayo, is one of the standout tracks on the album with it’s captivating up tempo rhythm and striking melody. Maluleke draws on his Shangaan influence in it’s rhythmic arrangement as language references. The title Licky Licky Boom is one of two titles where Maluleke borrows the queen’s language to relate his African experience. The song is a light hearted ode to African women and beauty-celebrating. Their traditional beauty and in Maluleke’s  words cheeky mamas with full house.

Ndzilo is a perhaps the artist’s proudest moment on the album-direct translated it means fire, and is a moving ballad that speaks of personal strength and courage in the face of adversity. Maluleke’s latest project adds another jewel in his crown .he is confident and proud of his latest and proudly proclaims, this is an album that in the next 20 years you will still want to listen to ‘ the musical dynamite from Mpumalanga is definitely on the verge of greatness.