Ukhamba
{{Infobox album
| name = Ukhamba
| type = Studio
| artist = Inkabi Zezwe
| cover = Ukhamba.jpg
| alt =
| released = {{start date|2023|05|12}}
| recorded = 2022–2023
| venue =
| studio =
| genre =
| length =
| label = Warner Music Africa
| producer = Xowla
Ruff
| prev_title =
| prev_year =
| next_title =
| next_year =
| misc = {{Extra chronology
| artist = Sjava
| type = studio
| prev_title = Isibuko
| prev_year = 2023
| title = Ukhamba
| year = 2023
| next_title =
| next_year =
}}{{Extra chronology
| artist = Big Zulu
| type = studio
| prev_title = Ichwane Lenyoka
| prev_year = 2021
| title = Ukhamba
| year = 2023
| next_title = Ngises' Congweni
| next_year = 2024
}}
}}
Ukhamba is the debut studio album by South African duo Inkabi Zezwe, released on May 12, 2023, through Warner Music.{{cite web|title=SJAVA & BIG ZULU’S ‘UKHAMBA’ ALBUM STORMS THE AIRWAVES TODAY
|work=Gagasi World |url=https://gagasiworld.co.za/sjava-and-big-zulus-ukhamba-album-storms-the-airwaves-today/}}{{cite web|url=https://zalebs.com/top-of-the/big-zulu-and-sjava-finally-release-long-awaited-album-inkabi-zezwe|title=Big Zulu And Sjava Finally Release Long-Awaited Album Inkabi Zezwe|work=ZAlebs|access-date=2023-06-09}} It was produced by Xowla and Ruff.
It debuted at number one in both South Africa and Swaziland.
Background and recording
The album is a one-time collaborative album, released under Warner Music. The recording began on the fourth quarter of 2022, recorded in Bergville for entire two weeks.{{cite web|url=https://sahiphopmag.co.za/2023/05/inkabi-zezwe-reveals-roll-out-plan-ahead-of-the-ukhamba-album-release/|website=SA Hip Hop Magazine |title=Inkabi Zezwe Reveals Roll-out Plan Ahead Of The "Ukhamba" Album Release|first=Clive|last=Banda|access-date=2023-06-09}}
Commercial performance
Ukhamba debuted number one in South Africa and Swaziland consecutively.{{cite web|url=https://slikouronlife.co.za/blog/24441/inkabi-zezwes-album-ukhamba-dominates-top-100-apple-music-chart-in-sa|title=Inkabi Zezwe’s Album, ‘Ukhamba’ Dominates Top 100 Apple Music Chart In SA|access-date=2023-06-09
|first=Atlehang|last=Moloi|date=16 May 2023}}
{{cite web|title=Big Zulu and Sjava’s album tops streaming platforms|work=Bona |first=Johana|last=Mukandila|url=https://www.bona.co.za/entertainment/144231/|access-date=2023-06-09}}{{cite web|title=INKABI ZEZWE’S ALBUM UKHAMBA IS THE PERFECT OFFERING AS THE PROJECT CHARTS ACROSS STREAMING SERVICES|first=Eric |last=Phiri|url= https://stokveltalk.co.za/inkabi-zezwes-album-ukhamba-is-the-perfect-offering-as-the-project-charts-across-streaming-services/amp/|work=Stokveltalk|access-date=2023-06-09}}
Accolades
At the 18th ceremony of Metro FM Music Awards, Ukhamba received two nominations for Best Produced Album and Best African Pop.{{cite web|url=https://www.metrofm.co.za/metrofm/metro-fm-music-awards-2024-winners-announced/|title=METRO FM MUSIC AWARDS 2024 WINNERS ANNOUNCED|work=Metro FM|access-date=2024-07-24}} In addition, the album received a nomination for Best Afro-Pop album at the 30th ceremony of South African Music Awards.{{cite web|url=https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/music/local/tylas-reign-continue-as-she-leads-sama-awards-nominations-35c72eba-18b4-43a1-a655-603a08644837|title=Tyla's reign continue as she leads SAMA Awards nominations|first=Oluthando|last=Keteyi|access-date=26 September 2024|date=26 September 2024|website=Independent Online}}
{{awards table}}
|-
|rowspan=3|2024
|rowspan=3|Ukhamba
|Best African Pop
|{{nom}}
|-
|Best Produced Album
|{{nom}}
|-
|Best Afro-Pop album
|{{nom}}
{{end}}
Track listing
{{Track listing
| headline = Ukhamba track listing
| title1 = Intro (Inkabi Zezwe)
| length1 = 3:40
| title2 = Khaya Lami
| length2 = 4:16
| title3 = Siyabonga
| length3 = 4:28
| title4 = Omunye
| length4 = 4:46
| title5 = Umbayimbayi
| length5 = 3:50
| title6 = Uthando Lunye
| length6 = 3:51
| title7 = Emaphusheni
| length7 = 3:24
| title8 = Slow Jam sase Bergville
| length8 = 3:00
| title9 = Isikhwele
| length9 = 5:32
| title10 = Sayona
| length10 = 3:48
| title11 = Ilanga
| length11 = 3:34
| title12 = Impumelelo
| length12 = 4:38
| total_length = 48:00
}}
Certifications
{{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=South Africa |type=album|award=Gold |number=1|relyear=2023|certyear=2023|artist=Inkabi Zezwe|title=Ukhamba|access-date=2023-08-27}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|noshipments=true|streaming=true}}
Release history
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|+Release dates and formats for Ukhamba ! scope="col"| Region ! scope="col"| Date ! scope="col"| Format(s) ! scope="col"| Edition(s) ! scope="col"| Label ! scope="col"| {{Abbr|Ref.|References}} |
| scope="row"| South Africa
| 12 May 2023 | {{hlist|Digital download|streaming}} | Standard | Warner Music | |
|---|