Durban’s Afro-pop twin sensations, Anele Mxakaza and Neliswa Makhubela, better known as Aneliswa, are back together and ready to reignite their music careers after a four-year hiatus.
The 29-year-old sisters, who first rose to prominence as part of Idols SA’s 2013 Top 33, have reunited to release their highly anticipated six-track EP, titled Is’fungo (promise).
The duo, whose name is a clever combination of their individual names, initially gained recognition through their collaboration with the late Afro-pop icon Zahara on her 2013 hit song, Ubomi Endibaziyo.
Following their Idols journey, however, the sisters embarked on separate paths, with Anele joining the renowned gospel group Joyous Celebration and Neliswa, who recently married, joining Discovery Music. This period of individual growth proved instrumental in shaping their musical journey.
Anele explained to Daily Sun that the separation was a strategic move to enhance their individual skills and understanding of the music industry.
“We wanted to learn more about music and the industry and see what we can bring together. Now, we've learnt what we wanted to learn and have reunited and now people will see us perform again,” she said.
This deliberate period of individual development allowed them to hone their craft and gain valuable experience, ultimately strengthening their collaborative efforts.
Their new EP, Is’fungo, showcases a maturity and depth not present in their earlier work. The six tracks delve into themes of faith, love, and resilience, offering messages of hope and encouragement.
Neliswa described the EP's central message: “Is’fungo talks about faith, love and encouraging people to keep the faith.”
This spiritual undercurrent, woven throughout the EP, reflects their personal growth and experiences during their time apart.
Looking ahead, Aneliswa has ambitious plans for the future. They aim to collaborate with numerous top South African musicians, expanding their musical horizons and exploring diverse genres.
Neliswa shared their vision: “Growing up, we were doing different genres, including isicathamiya, maskandi and many more. Now, we want to bring that into our music.”
This desire to incorporate their diverse musical backgrounds reflects their commitment to creating a unique and versatile sound.
The duo's musical journey began even before their Idols appearance. In 2020, while still finding their footing, they released their debut single, Take Me Back, under the name Amali. This early single provided a foundation for their musical development, showcasing their potential and laying the groundwork for their current success.
The experience gained during their solo careers, combined with their renewed collaboration, promises a new era of musical innovation and creativity for Aneliswa.
The release of Is’fungo marks not just a reunion, but a significant step forward in Aneliswa’s musical journey. The EP represents a culmination of their individual growth and a testament to their enduring sisterly bond and shared passion for music.
With their combined experience and renewed focus, Aneliswa is poised to make a significant impact on the South African music scene.
