Producer Neo Makwa has opened up about the creation of his latest hit, Umguzumbane We Summer, revealing that the song’s journey began with something as simple as a beat.
Speaking to Sunday World on Friday, Makwa explained that the original idea for the track was sparked by the beat itself.
“When I first made it, I named it Umguzumbane. That was the original title. When I sent the beat to Kwesta, he just ran with that name and built on it. That’s how the concept for Umguzumbane We Summer came about,” he said.
Makwa admits the hit wasn’t planned.
Accidental hit
“We didn’t plan on making a summer anthem or a hit. It was just a normal recording session on an ordinary day. And the song just happened to turn out the way it did. People connected with it, and that’s really how it became what it is now. I’m just hoping it continues to grow, maybe even become a hit.”
The chemistry between Makwa and Senzo Vilakazi, popularly known as Kwesta, honed over years of collaboration, played a key role.
“We’re used to working together, we’ve made a lot of songs before. Even not so long ago, so it’s really just the chemistry between me and him. There wasn’t really anything different about this one. For us, it was just like any other song we’ve done before. Everybody knows when it’s me and Kwesta, it’s a deadly combination. We complement each other really well. He knows my style, I know his.”
Makwa also shared the inspiration behind his signature style.
“A lot of people know the style of mzonkonko. I don’t really decide whether something needs to sound fresh or different. It’s just like any other day in the studio. What I love most is listening to old-school house songs; that’s where I get my inspiration. I’ll take one of those tracks and think, okay, if I can flip this one, it’s going to work.”
Steeped in nostalgia
“Umguzumbane reminds me of when Mzekezeke’s Sguqa Ngamadolo first came out. I was a kid back then, so it’s got that nostalgic feeling for me. It takes me right back to those days,” Makwa said.
Fans have already embraced the song, he adds.
“Everyone will be blasting Umguzumbane. Already in my hood, when I woke up in the morning, they were blasting it. It’s like it’s New Year already.”
Looking ahead, Makwa promises more than just a hit song.
“Yes, we’re definitely going to shoot a music video for the song. There’ll also be shows, people can catch me DJing at different gigs. I’ll be posting flyers and pushing the song everywhere. This is just the beginning, there’s still more to come,” he concluded.
