PICTURE: INSTAGRAM/@MUSATHEVOICE
South African singer Musa Sukwene is celebrating 13 years since his Idols South Africa victory with the release of his upcoming fifth studio album, Uhambo.
Also see: Musa Sukwene melts hearts as he celebrates son’s 1st birthday
Musa, who won the ninth season in 2013, has reflected on how much he has changed since the competition catapulted him into the spotlight.
The 39-year-old musician is set to release Uhambo on 23 September 2026 through David Gresham Records. The album is currently available for pre-release and is listed as an 11-track project.
Musa Sukwene reflects on his journey
Looking back at the young man who won Idols SA, Musa said he had the passion and ambition to succeed but was still discovering himself as both an artist and an individual.
Thirteen years later, he says his experiences have taught him valuable lessons about success, rejection, resilience and remaining true to himself.
The singer has released four albums since his Idols SA victory and has performed for audiences across different stages. He describes his journey in the music industry as beautiful but unpredictable, with both highs and difficult moments along the way.
For Musa, music has remained a constant despite the challenges that come with building a career in the entertainment industry.
Also see: Idols SA’s Musa Sukwene welcomes baby no.2
Why the album is called Uhambo
The title Uhambo, meaning “the journey,” is a reflection of Musa’s personal and professional growth.
The singer explained that the album represents where he has come from, where he is now and where he hopes to go next. It also explores experiences beyond his career, including relationships, love, disappointment, victories and lessons learnt along the way.
The project explores themes of love, growth, hope, heartbreak and resilience, with Musa approaching love from different perspectives, including romantic relationships, family, friendship, self-love and life.
Hamba gives fans a taste of what is coming
Musa has already introduced the project with Hamba, the album’s lead single.
The soulful song focuses on the difficult conversations that can arise when a long-term relationship ends. Rather than approaching a breakup with anger or blame, the song explores letting someone go while maintaining respect for the relationship that was shared.
The single blends elements of old-school soul and blues, while the upcoming album incorporates Afro-pop and soul across different sounds.
Musa said Uhambo took approximately six to seven months to complete and saw him work with different writers and creatives, pushing him beyond his usual creative process.
As he marks 13 years since his Idols SA breakthrough, Uhambo represents more than another album for Musa. It is a reflection of the lessons, relationships and experiences that have shaped him — and an introduction to the next chapter of his career.
With Uhambo arriving on 23 September, fans will soon get to hear how the Idols SA winner’s sound has evolved over more than a decade in the music industry.
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