In an effort to help people who do not understand the words used in English Christmas carols, English, Gospel singer and music producer, Sipho Mbele has released Christmas carols in isiZulu.Alongside,music maestro Zolani Maseko, Mbhele interpreted and rearranged your typical famous English Christmas carols like Silent Night into unique isiZulu songs.
For the first time in South Africa,citizens will sing along to isiZulu Christmas carols .The compilation of six Christmas carols is called Ukhisimusi and it was released on November 27 on physical copy and digital downloads. The project features talented vocalists from Durban-based Ivangeli Gospel Group.
Mbele, who is known for producing hits for Deborah Fraser and the late Sifiso Ncwane, said he felt it was time for the country to enjoy Christmas carols in African languages.
“We realized that Christmas carols have never been done in African language and we wanted to make that history. For a longest time, we have been popularising these western Christmas carols and watching artists like Maria Carey, and Bonnie M recreating them. We wanted to come up with a South African thing that is unique and different,” said Mbhele.
He added that they started around October with a project where they recorded all gospel traditional songs that were done by artists like Rebecca and the late Vuyo Mokoena, among others. “ Since Christmas was near, we said let’s come up with something that even a person who never went to school will understand,” said Mbhele.
