Nipho And Sophiatown Return with ‘Khaya Lami’ – Nipho and Sophiatown, are an internationally recognized African/Jazz/Pop/Dance band based in Cape Town. They return with a poignant single ‘Khaya Lami’ (My Home) from the up and coming album “The Sound of a People.” The album is set to release on Nov 23rd.
Nipho teamed up with the Hilton College Choir for this single as a way of doing a service to a younger generation of artists. His hope is that they go on to impact and engage South African society in positive ways.
“In many ways I felt the country had lost its soul, its spirit, and identity as a beacon of hope to the world.
South Africa has become synonymous with reconciliation to the world. I felt that I wanted to communicate this through song. A sound and a feeling that could possibly contend, fight for and resurrect that idea back to life!” ~ Nipho
Sharing his hopes and message behind ‘Khaya Lami’
Nipho adds, “I often think about the next generation of artists. As a now 33-year-old artist and a decade in the industry, these days I tend to be more reflective and sober-minded about the future than when I was as a younger artist in my 20s. Having attended a boy’s school myself there’s a comradery that I felt in that environment. This is sorely missed in our society today! I wanted to take a “snapshot” of that winsome approach. To carry through a feeling of unity and togetherness for the everyday South African.”
My hope and dream through this song is that those that are hard-pressed on every side will not feel crushed. Those who are lost in confusion would not drown in an ocean of despair. Those who are persecuted, broken, and abused would know they’re not alone and abandoned. It’s a message to everyone in this beautiful land we all call home, that they would feel hope rise in them every time they hear “Khaya Lami”.
About Nipho & Sophiatown
The band founded by Nipho Mkhize in 2018. Nipho serves both as founder, front man and executive producer. The band pays homage to the legendary black cultural hub of Sophiatown. It all started in a township outside Johannesburg in 1904. The township saw demolishement in 1955 under the apartheid regime. Sophiatown was renamed Triomf.
As a band their vision is to preserve a South African musical identity and heritage. Recreating the inclusive musical atmosphere enjoyed by many people who were in that space (Sophiatown) of different races. Celebrating it and exporting its essence to the world. Their sound is a fusion of past South Africa greats such as Hugh Masekela, Lucky Dube, Miriam Makheba and many more with modern-day. With cutting-edge, musical trends that resonate with the current generation.
