Winnie Khumalo reminds me of the first time…
The first time my uncle brought me a burnt CD with a mix of Di Gong and House Music, foreign to my Linkin Park trained ears. That CD was my gateway to a brand new world of heavy bass and fascinating vocals I grew to love. Bujo Mujo, Revolution, DJ Cleo and of course what I later learnt was an absolute hit, Winnie K’s ”I just wanna live My Life”. It’s vocals were deep and reminded me of the animated videos I’d watch on SABC 1, your Chicco, Yvonne Chaka-Chaka and Dalom Kids, yet, the lyrics were simple enough to grasp.
Winnie K was my initiator into the love of House Music.
Born in Soweto, Winnie K started music as far back as the 80’s at the very green age of 15 releasing the albums ‘Hey Laitie’ and’Tshina Tshina’ produced by the Pop Hit making Sello Chicco Twala.
Winnie Khumalo’s Music Career included working with the late Brenda Fassie as a backing and lead vocalist so much that in her ‘I Just Wanna Live my Life’ Album Winnie whipped up a dance version of ‘Too Late for Mama’. The Oscar “Oskido” Mdlongwa produced album was distributed by Kalawa Jazzmee Records. Cementing her Pop-Star status the album sold over 25 000 copies (Gold Record) and more than 50 000 mobile downloads making it one of the best-selling albums within the SA Music Market’s history.
Years later it’s clear Winnie Khumalo got her groove back, back into the world House and Dance Music with the single ‘Lazaro‘ which I’m sure we know better as ‘Muteuro’! Before that she had offered her distinct vocals here and there but it was ‘Lazaro’ that really stuck. While I was sure Winnie K was back in her lane, she shocked her fans once again by doing an absolute genre 360 with two releases in 2017 that were very Gqom-centric.
Both produced by DJ Cleo, the duo were sending a very clear message…
“we aren’t going anywhere mofos!!”
The singles titled ‘Yile Gqom’ and ‘Yabantu’ have their share of thousands of YouTube views.
‘Yile Gqom’ being my favourite is on a beat that’s out-of-sight featuring Phantom Steeze on a Trappy switch up that even sees Winnie doing the dab. Yes you read right! Dab, dab goes the House Queen and you’ll love it!
Although ‘Yabantu‘ does not have visuals of its own fans have gone as far as tilting the heavy drop beat ‘Gqomilicious!’ which had me thinking…could Winnie K’s historical musical past unseat Babes Wodumo as Gqom Queen? Hmmm…
When she does land in Harare those are my top questions for the Pop-star, Winnie K will be Live at The Venue Avondale this Friday featuring Bryan K, Reverb 7 and AfriCherry.
It’s been a long time since 2009 and Winnie K has proven her versatility. For one, do not let anyone tell you big girls can’t dance. Winnie Khumalo is a testament against this myth, her live performances of the now hit song ‘Lazaro’ will have you shukusharing (is that even the spelling?) as best as you can.
Now, I can’t wait to see her perform the Gqom tracks live!
Nearly 10 years later I still have the CD somewhere, foil peeling, marker label as faint as ever.
23 February can’t come any sooner! Check out the Winnie Khumalo Live in Concert ticket details here.
Let us know what you think of ‘Yile Gqom’ and Winnie K’s Gqom Queen status and you could win yourself a double ticket! (Ts & Cs Apply)
