Zanefa Ngidi introduces Masinga for “Ikhekhe Lami,” and this one is a return to something with a bit more heart.
My cake means “my cake,” which sounds amusing but probably isn’t literal here. Maybe a metaphor for something precious, something to be saved. Masinga coming also changes the dynamic a bit from the Phindile Buthelezi combo.
Guitar again, of course, this crew does not get far away from that maskandi base. Tempo is a touch slower than ‘Happy Birthday,’ more space to sit with each lyric. Percussion fades back, leaving the guitar and vocals to take the burden.
Zanefa Ngidi here sings with true tenderness, gentler than the hardness of “Awuthi Veku.” The sound of “my cake” as a sentence gives the whole thing an intimate, even protective vibe, It’s difficult to say precisely what is meant without more context, yet the sentiment comes across clearly enough.
Masinga is beside him, steady and grounded, but not demanding room. Unlike Phindile Buthelezi, he frequently talks back, more support than counterpoint. A very different chemistry to the earlier collaborations of Zanefa Ngidi.
“Ikhekhe Lami” doesn’t over-explain itself, and that’s okay. Whatever it is that’s precious enough to name it cake, Zanefa Ngidi definitely means it. Some things don’t need to be explained.
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