YONELA MNANA RELEASES NEW SINGLE ‘SIYAKHULEKA’

Pianist and singer, Yonela Mnana, announces another provocative body of work: 'Mandela Bridge.

This is his second jazz album, replete with multiple local creative approaches. This is indicative of his increasing inventiveness, apparent in his recent musical collaborations, such as 'Echoes of Marabi' with reedman Benedikt Reising and Soultee, as well as Sisonke Xonti's Ugaba (2020) and the newly released Ukholo (2026).

The first single accordingly with the first movement, is out. Titled "Siyakhuleka," the supplication/ bowing down action one does when greeting: "siyakhuleka emakhosini”. The same bowing action is required when entering an abode with a low door threshold and making the subsequent greeting of respect. Essentially, the humbling, the losing of the ego and presenting your true self without the materialities of the world.

Self-produced at Peter Auret's award-winning Sumo Sound Studio, Mandela Bridge is a telling audio biography of Yonela Mnana's life and musical experiences. It brings together a cross-generational musical expression of a dynamic group configuration. From the master tenor saxophonist and flautist, Bra Sidney Mnisi, through the lively rhythm section of bassist Nhlanhla Radebe and longtime friend and drummer Sphiwe Shiburi, to the young Soultee singers, fresh from Mnana's tutelage.

This project is a symbolic bridge on which South African music travels effortlessly. The album consists of three iterations: Umbhedesho - a spiritual invocation, Umlando womhambi - tales of a traveller and Umbongo - a tribute song cycle for the rest of the musical pieces. This structure discloses how Mnana applies his scholarly lens in appraising this presentation.

Mandela Bridge, the work, will be released in March 2027. This release of "Siyakhuleka" coincides with Mnana's appearance at the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz this year, a veritable platform that cements his landing and indicates his future movements.

Contact: MKHOKHELI DLAMINI - hello@mnanamusicology.com