South African music legend Ishmael has joined the AmaPiano fraternity with his latest single ‘Sangena’, produced by Tee Jay and Play with JonTy. Tee Jay has produced for Boohle, Sir Trill, Nkosazana Daughter and Aymos.
‘Sangena’ showcases Ishmael’s versatility as a musician who has successfully navigated the ever-evolving South African music industry for over three decades.
Ishmael, who started his career as a member of pioneering Hip-Hop group Prophets of Da City, has had numerous hits and accolades throughout his career, including his stint as a member of Kwaito group Skeem who are mostly know for their hit ‘Waar Was Jy?’. As a solo kwaito act, he dropped the hit ‘Roba Letheka’ and the gospel smash hit ‘Avulekile Amasango’ in the 2000s. Ishmael also stamped his R&B mark with ‘Let Me’. In the late 2000s and early 2010s, he was part of Jozi, a Hip-Hop crew that pioneered Crunk and the merging of Hip-Hop with indigenous genres like Maskandi and Mbhaqanga.
‘Sangena’, his foray into Amapiano, premiered on Metro FM’s midday show with Lerato Kganyago and ProVerb, receiving positive reviews and featuring in various TikTok videos as a popular sound. The track speaks of breaking down barriers and overcoming challenges that may be standing in the way of one’s dreams. The lyrics encourage listeners to persevere and not give up, stating that “if a door is closed, then break it down.”
The track demonstrates that Ishmael still has much to offer the industry, and that his career is far from over.
Listen to ‘Sangena’ and watch the lyric video below:
