WATCH: Roodepoort Afropop star paving his own way

Electrifying beats and emotional lyrics forge a soul connection that reaffirms self-worth.

Rising through the hardships of the current state of the entertainment industry and the brutal nature of carving a path in the musical world, Anele ‘Akzo Mbunge’ Nkonzo is doing things his way. One half of the soul duo ‘Impande’, Akzo has just dropped his new solo EP, Izulu Nomhlaba. Released on 1 May, the first single off the new album, which features a music video shot in Munsieville, is titled Ntab’ Ezikude, which means ‘far away mountains’.

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First testing the musical waters as a rapper, Akzo found his home in the Afro-pop genre and can boast working with industry standard bearers such as Donald and Kwesta. Disillusioned with certain aspects of the local music scene, Akzo has turned down big labels in order to start his own record label, PYROO Records. “I know what I am worth. I love music and love providing opportunities for new artists,” said Akzo.

The 27-year-old KwaZulu-Natal born father of two is on an upward trajectory and knows what is needed to give him that extra edge. “I love singing in my own language. You need to stand out, you need to be original and you need to bring something fresh. I love to speak feelings with my music to uplift, heal and help through the message. I don’t want to make history, I want to make a difference,” he beamed.

The music is what matters and the prevalent themes laced around Akzo’s soothing tunes are love, heartache, passion and broken promises. “It is not only about telling my story, but knowing there are always two sides. You don’t always have to be right because nobody is perfect,” he said.

Hoping to transcend his music in the years to come, his mind is focused on the grind, saying “Support your music for yourself because nobody is going to do it for you”.