South African artist Nue_Sam opens his six-track “uNongqayizivele” project with “Lelogqubu,” featuring uDumakahle – and the choice of opener sets the project’s tone before track two even arrives.
“Lelogqubu” is a Zulu word carrying a specific tonal and rhythmic cultural identity – the kind of title that signals roots rather than commercial positioning. Nue_Sam does not begin the project trying to sound like what is trending on South African streaming platforms right now. He starts from somewhere distinctly his own.That creative confidence on an opening track gives “uNongqayizivele” a clear identity before the full six songs unfold.
uDumakahle brings vocal prowess that deepens the record significantly. Their collaboration creates a dynamic that gives “Lelogqubu” its push and pull – Nue_Sam’s distinct artistry meeting uDumakahle’s performance instinct in a way that makes both sides sound better together than either would sound alone. Because opening tracks that feature a vocalist need that chemistry to work. A cold collaboration on track one can derail the whole project’s momentum.This one avoids that completely.
The rich sounds and compelling storytelling promised across the “uNongqayizivele” project also show up immediately here. So the opener is not just a warm-up. It is a full statement about what Nue_Sam is offering across six tracks – musical versatility, cultural specificity, and storytelling that earns attention rather than chasing it.
Taken alongside “Yaphela” with uMafakhiza Mfeka at track two, these opening entries show a project built around consistent quality and deliberate collaborator selection rather than random feature placements.
Stream “Lelogqubu” and tell us – does Nue_Sam open “uNongqayizivele” better than any project you have heard from South Africa this week?
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