Orchid MusiQ has released her debut solo single, “Hambe,”. The song is available across major streaming platforms and introduces Orchid MusiQ as a lead artist.

“Hambe,” also listed as “Hambe (Endleleni),” was released on September 4, 2026. The six-minute track is classified as Amapiano and credits Orchid MusiQ alongside Megamind Nova and Kenton Lee. The single was released through The T Effect and distributed through Believe.

Photo: Instagram/@Orchid_musiq

The title carries a connection to the song’s message. “Endleleni” is a Zulu expression that means “on the path” or “on the road.” The track brings together Orchid MusiQ’s vocals and elements. 

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The release follows several years of work as a collaborator. Orchid MusiQ has recorded with artists including Sam Deep, Da Muziqal Chef, Sino Msolo and Nasty C. Her catalogue includes collaborations such as “Woza” with Sam Deep and “Dlala” with Da Muziqal Chef.

Her contribution to “Uyadlala” with Sykes, Zeh McGeba and GL_Ceejay has also surpassed one million Spotify streams. Orchid MusiQ’s connection to Cotton Fest has also been part of her career development. In 2023, she became the first woman in Durban to win the Cotton Fest Open Mic competition. She later joined the University of Cotton Fest Class of 2026, a programme connected to the creative legacy of the late rapper Riky Rick.

Instagram/@Orchid_musiq

This results in a MashBeatz and features Orchid MusiQ on several tracks, including “Listen To The Kids,” “Mali,” “This Is Home” and “Everybody Stay Shining.”

Her musical style draws from African genres like Amapiano and Pop. This has allowed her to work with artists from different backgrounds while developing her own musical identity. 

With “Hambe,” Orchid MusiQ has shown her musical skills. The single introduces her sound as a solo artist while building on the experience she has gained through previous collaborations, performances and creative programmes.

Dr Smama has teamed up with Mafikizolo vocalist Nhlanhla Mafu for Isifiso Sami, new love song that combines Afro soul with the sound of Maskandi guitar.

The song title means “My Wish,” and talks about love and commitment despite pressure from others.

This marks the first time Dr Smama and Mafu have recorded a song together. According to Mafu, they did not want to rush into a collaboration simply because of their friendship.

“We have been friends for over two decades, so working together was always inevitable, but we wanted something that is distinct and honest.”

Photo: Getty Images

Simama, whose  real name is Sindile Simama. The SAMA-nominated artist is known as a performer and songwriter. He has written for artists like Berita, Nokwazi and the late Lundi Tyamara.

The Maskandi influence was one of the main reasons why Dr Smama loved it. The traditional guitar sound takes him away from the gospel and soul style that has featured in his work. 

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The song’s message also moves beyond the usual themes of romance. According to Dr Smama:

“When I heard Isifiso Sami, I was sold instantly. You simply do not hear people express devotion or declare love like this anymore.”

Mafu believes the depth of traditional lyricism can sometimes get lost in the music industry. “Isifiso Sami” takes a slower approach by placing the story and meaning of the lyrics at the centre of the music.

Photo: Getty Images

Smama is a medical doctor and holds an MBChB from the University of Cape Town. His work as a songwriter has connected him with several South African artists, His own music has also earned him a SAMA nomination.

“Isifiso Sami” was released on September 4, 2026, on major digital streaming platforms.

MaWhoo and Lwah Ndlunkulu have come together as the Zulu Queens for Isithembu. Released on August 28, 2026, the project is a combination of Maskandi with Afropop, Amapiano and other South African sounds.

MaWhoo is known mainly for her work in Amapiano and Afro-pop, while Lwah Ndlunkulu has built her career around a more traditional-influenced sound. Isithembu gives them an opportunity to explore Maskandi from a different aspect. The album was released under the Zulu Queens name, which was given by Mthandeni SK. 

One of the project’s themes is female representation. Lwah Ndlunkulu said the decision to enter a male-dominated genre was deliberate. She said:

“We intentionally entered a male-dominated genre to prove that women can do anything and succeed at it.”

Photo: @mawhoo_ / Instagram

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Isithembu shows how Maskandi can connect with younger and more diverse audiences. The album’s lead single, “Distance,” featuring Feza, was released on August 19. The song introduced listeners to the direction of the project and focused on the emotional experience of being separated from someone important. Feza’s appearance also added another female voice to the collaboration.

The album includes several names from the Maskandi scene. Feza, Izingane Zoma, Mthandeni SK and Siya Ntuli are among the artists in the project. 

While making Isithembu, the artists recorded the album in about a week during the first sessions, but the recordings were later lost, forcing them to start again. Lwah said the second recording process took roughly two to three weeks, and the pair felt the new version retained the energy they wanted.

Photo: @mawhoo_ / Instagram

The album’s cultural focus was clear at its launch. MaWhoo and Lwah appeared in modern interpretations of traditional Zulu clothing. 

With Isithembu, MaWhoo and Lwah Ndlunkulu show how Maskandi can welcome new voices while keeping its connection to Zulu culture. The project adds more visibility for women in the genre and suggests that its future can include different sounds and generations