9umba Set to Make History with New Album "Answers and Change"

06 October 2025  Mondays Mag Publications I Editor-In-Chief  Ntombizodwa Dlamini

"What I have is a gift from God that I am very thankful for”

Image courtesy: 9umba

His stage name and his chart-topping tracks has gone famous more than his face. The groundbreaking artist who is keeping the music industry on its toes, is yet to do it again with his soon to be released album “Answers and Prayers.”

The "uLazi" and "VSOP" hitmaker shared with the Mondays on Tuesday that with his upcoming album his fans can expect a different sound, infusing Kwaito, House, 3step and AmaPiano. “A different sound to what they would expect from me because each time I try to improve my sound. This album is more soulful and spiritual infusing kwaito, house, 3 step and AmaPiano sounds together,” he says 9umber have always found inspiration and motivation through his home town and tradition; this has gone on to influence his music creation.

“It gave me inspiration in certain songs that are part of my upcoming album - the way sotho music sounds, I have added similar elements into the songs,” he said 9umba's transition from rap to Amapiano was a deliberate choice. "At the time, around 2016/2017, a lot of teenagers wanted to become rappers, and that rap space was becoming saturated," "I wanted to be different and be a part of something new. That is when I discovered Amapiano and went with it."

I am sure the album’s name already gives you an idea of what it means to him, him breaking all the barriers, collaborating with well-known artists, now that is a dream come true and all his prayers answered. As a multi-instrumentalist, DJ, and producer, 9umba attributes his success to his team and his gift. "What I have is a gift from God that I am very thankful for, but as important, I have a beautiful and supportive team who always go out of their way to make sure I can focus on my craft, and everything else runs smoothly."

Every artist has their own story to tell on how they started and how they blowed, as for 9umber, his creative process only started in his room where he created “ Ulazi”. “Ulazi was a beat named ghettowave made by me at home in my room alone. I then went to Alex to MrJazziQs studio on my birthday (As a present my mom gave me money to go to studio) and I played the beat for the guys.” Collaborations are essential to 9umba's creative process. "I always say collaborations are necessary because they bring something unique; it combines two different perspectives and approaches and gives it a new taste," he says.

9umber also wishes to start live band performances.

"The live band performances have been something I have always wanted to do but never had the resources to execute the idea," he explains.To up and coming artists, 9umba advises, them to be different. “Be different, do not try imitate what is already out there because you see it work for someone else. Have something or do something that is unique to you”