Mnqobi Yazo (born; Mnqobi Lindokuhle Msimango) is a South African singer-songwriter. Born in kwaMaphumulo, and raised in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, released his first project Iscephu in 2018. After he signed a record deal with Mabala Noise, his debut album Impi (2020), which incorporated elements of African trap, Afro-pop, and maskandi, was certified platinum in South Africa.
Mnqobi Yazo | |
|---|---|
| Born | 26 November 1988 Maphumulo, KwaZulu-Natal South Africa |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2018–present |
Yazo has also pursued an acting career. In 2020, he made his on-screen feature debut on television drama series The River, and appeared as a guest on the television series Durban Gen (2022).
Career
editMnqobi began his musical interest as a rapper while he was still attending primary school.[1] After his matric he studied Performing Art at the Creative Arts College and obtained diploma.[2]
His first project EP titled Icephu was released in 2018. Shortly after he signed a record deal with Mabala Noise, his debut studio album Impi was released on October 30, 2020.[3] It features Nobuhle, Shwi Nomtekhala, and Musiholiq. The album was certified platinum in South Africa.[4]
In November 2020, he made his screen debut on The River playing a role of Steven.[5][6]
i-Stiff was released on November 25, 2021.
In February 2022, he landed on a supporting role Durban Gen telenova.[7]
Yazo third studio album UBHOKO, was released on January 26, 2024.[8] Like his previous album, UBHOKO is an afro pop record incoparated with afro zazz, isicathamiya-style drawl and maskandi falsetto. It explores themes of heritage, love, and the essence of African descent.
In February 2023, Yazo was announced as Up Next artist in South Africa by Apple Music.[9]
Artistry
editInfluences
editYazo cited Bhekumuzi Luthuli, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Oliver Mtukudzi as his major musical influences.[2]
Discography
editStudio albums
edit- Iscephu (2018)
- Impi (2020
- Istiff (2021)
- Ubhoko (2024)
As lead artist
edit| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Certifications | Album | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZA | |||||||
| "Sabela" | 2020 | — | Non-album single | ||||
| "Amathafa" (Sayfar, Mnqobi Yazo) | 2021 | — | Non-album single | ||||
| "Ngisho" (EmSoul, Mnqobi Yazo, Wiseman Ncube) | 2022 | — | Non-album single | ||||
| "Push Push" (featuring Nomfundo Moh, Leverage, Bobo Jay Nzima, Starr Healer, Thando Zide) | 2024 | — | Non-album single | ||||
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. | |||||||
Guest appearances
edit| Title | Year | Other artist(s) | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Bandijongile" | 2023 | Zonke | Embo |
Filmography
edit| Year | Film | Role | Genre | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | The River | Steven | TV series | |
| 2022 | Durban Gen | TV series | ||
| 2023 | Smoke And Mirrors | Dlozi | TV series |
Awards
edit| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Himself | Newest Find | Nominated | [10] |
References
edit- ^ "Mnqobi Yazo". AfternoonExpress. Retrieved 19 April 2022.
- ^ a b Vikilahle, Luthando (25 February 2021). "5 minutes with Afro-soul singer Mnqobi Yazo". GQ. Retrieved 19 April 2022.
- ^ Miya, Madzadza. "Listen to Mnqobi Yazo's Much-Anticipated Debut Album 'Impi' - OkayAfrica". OkayAfrica. Retrieved 19 April 2022.
- ^ Israel A, John (12 November 2021). "Mnqobi Yazo's Impi Album Goes Platinum". Ubetoo. Retrieved 19 April 2022.
- ^ Langa, Jabulani (9 November 2020). "Mnqobi set to make his debut on The River | Dailysun". DailySun. Retrieved 19 April 2022.
- ^ "The River Is Set To Add Three New Cast Members". ZAlebs. 5 November 2020. Retrieved 19 April 2022.
- ^ Ngcobo, Mavi (17 February 2022). "Singer Mnqobi grows acting career | Dailysun". DailySun. Retrieved 19 April 2022.
- ^ "Mnqobi Yazo Releases His Spiritual & Culturally Rooted Album 'Ubhoko' | Slikouronlife". Slikouronlife. 26 January 2024. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ "Apple Music announces Mnqobi Yazo as the Up Next artist in South Africa | HYPE". Hype Magazine. 22 February 2024. Retrieved 23 February 2024.
- ^ "Talent overload: All the winners from the first KZN Entertainment Awards". The South African. Retrieved 19 April 2022.