Mgodi (English: Excavation) is the fourth studio album by South African musician Zahara. It was released on October 13, 2017, through Warner Music.[1] It features production from Mojalefa Thebe.

Mgodi
Studio album by
Released13 October 2017 (2017-10-13)
Recorded2017
GenreAfro-soul
LabelWarner Music South Africa, Music Lives Here Records
ProducerMojalefa "Mjakes" Thebe
Zahara chronology
Country Girl
(2015)
Mgodi
(2017)
Nqaba Yam
(2021)
Singles from Mgodi
  1. "Mgodi"
    Released: 13 December 2015
  2. "Ndiveze"
    Released: 3 December 2015

The album was a best-seller, attained gold certification in six hours and then achieving platinum status 20 hours after release by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).[2][3][4]

At the 24th ceremony of South African Music Awards Mgodi was nominated for best Afro-pop Album category.

Background

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Mgodi was inspired by Zahara's experiences with the intense public scrutiny that South Africa's tabloid journalists have subjected her to during her career. The album was also influenced by her departure from her former label, TS Records, in December 2016.[5]

Zahara recorded the album in Johannesburg with producer Mjalefa "Mjakes" Thebe. Her three sisters make an appearance on the album on the track "God in the Valley".[6]

Promotion

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Zahara further promoted Mgodi with her Africa All Star Music Festival in August 2019, performing in the United States.[7]

Track listing

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All tracks are written by Bulelwa Mkutukana, except where noted

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Umsebenzi Wam" 3:41
2."Ndiveze" 3:53
3."Mgodi" 3:59
4."Umfazi" (featuring Kirk Whalum) 4:02
5."Ina Mvula" (featuring Kirk Whalum) 4:26
6."Thembalam" 4:24
7."Tribute" (featuring Sivuyile and Mluleki Ndwalane)Rethabile Silindela, Mojalefa Thebe3:55
8."Yhini" 4:08
9."Ndivulele" 4:21
10."Win or Lose" 3:57
11."Love Is in the Air" 4:04
12."God in the Valley" (featuring the Mkutukana Sisters) 4:43

Certifications and sales

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Region Certification Certified units/sales
South Africa (RISA)[8] Gold 15,000*

* Sales figures based on certification alone.

References

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  1. ^ "Zahara out of the hole and in the limelight - IOL". Independent Online. 25 November 2017.
  2. ^ Herimbi, Helen (1 November 2017). "Zahara - 'Mgodi' is all about my journey". Independent Online.
  3. ^ "Zahara's New Album Mgodi Goes Gold | Fakaza News". Fakaza. 16 October 2017.
  4. ^ "Zahara goes gold 'in six hours'". Times LIVE. 16 October 2017.
  5. ^ Sokanyile, Asanda (15 November 2017). "Zahara out of the hole and in the limelight". Weekend Argus.
  6. ^ Mayne, Jane (7 December 2017). "Zahara Mgodi interview: Fun things about Zahara". Weekend Special.
  7. ^ "Zahara To Go On North American Tour All Throughout August". Zkhiphani. 15 August 2018.
  8. ^ "South Africa certifications". Recording Industry of South Africa. 30 May 2018. Retrieved 29 July 2021.