Album Review: Inganekwane by Zoë Modiga

Despite the challenges that came with the year 2020, it was the music that brought us ease.

Album cover of Zoë Modiga's Inganekwane. [Image via Sportify]

By Esihle Faltein

On the 26th of June 2020, Zoë Modiga released her sophomore album for all to stream online. The name Inganekwane translates to the Zulu word, a fairy tale which is quite fitting as the songs unfolds much like chapters in a story book, as it begins with Kwasukasukela and ends with Cos Cos Yaphela.

Modiga makes the kind of music that you want to hear when you are in your quiet space when all has been said and done for the day. Drawing elements of African storytelling, sounds of soulful jazz and a bit of Motown, the well-acclaimed artist eloquently tells her story through her sound. In the album Inganekwane, Mogida takes us on a spiritual journey of healing encouraging, us to do the work and let go. With all the chaos happening around the world, this album could not have arrived at a better.

What you repeatedly tell yourself, you eventually come to believe. Lengoma, featuring Tubatsi Mpho Moloi, is a simple yet powerful song that transcends this idea. The repetition and chant-like sounds draw the listener into a celebratory mood that affirms and brings healing.

Right after this is the song Umdali, which speaks about the pursuit of reaching our dreams. Umdali refers to a higher being who has tasked of us with the responsibility of following our life purpose. At some point of the song, there is an out-of-body experience one goes through where her voice carries you through the higher beings consciousness.

Following this song is the much affirming Intsha. With a resounding YES, the song services as a remSinenkaniinder to take on head on what is ours. Intsha begins with a beautiful melody that builds towards a powerful timbre. Mogida transfers this energy into Intsha's reprise, Sinenkani as it softens the timbre and makes headroom for a cathartic experience.

Uthando sounds much like the name itself- love, as it explores a selfless love, as it sets the tone for the next song to come to Tata. Tata depicts a fragmented love of a father and a daughter with no lyrics the words expressed are much found in the melody. The theme of healing throughout the album is much embedded in this song.

Black Butterfly speaks about the idea of soaring high. From the message received in Umdali, Black Butterfly encourages a need for action, to exceed expectations and aim high. The song brings out a gentle and angelic emotion, which could be similar to the one of being up in the clouds. Cautioning us to become self-aware is Unembeza, reminding us to take care of our conscious mind. Isegazini moves us into the awakening of the story. The song explores the concept of having a purpose.

There is no doubt that Modiga has not evoked an awakening story in her listeners. As the mood changes from song to song, so do the emotions of the listener. The themes of love, the possibility of flight and finding purpose, all contribute to the overriding them of restoration. With this marvel of work, Mogida opens us to the idea of putting our trust in healing.