South African artist Fifi Cooper is set to arrive in Zimbabwe this weekend for the highly anticipated music video shoot of “Ukufa”, her collaboration with rising maskandi duo Aphiwe and Sobancane.
The remix, featured on the duo’s latest album Funda Ukwamukela, has already generated strong buzz online, with Fifi Cooper describing the song as one that left her “blown away” the first time she heard it.
Aphiwe and Sobancane — a nephew-and-uncle pair from KoZimnyama — recorded their new album in Johannesburg’s Maboneng district, where their paths crossed with the celebrated “First Lady of Motswako.”
According to the duo’s manager, Handy, the collaboration came about naturally.
“Fifi came across the song ‘Ukufa’ and was instantly moved by its message and delivery. She requested a remake of the track with her as a featured artist. Arrangements were made, and Aphiwe and Sobancane were invited to her home studio in Boksburg, where they re-recorded the version that is set for release soon,” Handy said.
He added that plans for the video shoot came soon after.
“We then asked if she could also be part of the music video, and she agreed. The video will be shot this week in Bulawayo by Afri-Art.”
The title track, “Funda Ukwamukela”, explores the deep bond between a nephew and his blind uncle. At the same time, other songs, such as “Ngo December”, “Uyabaleka”, “Kweminye Imizi”, and “Uthando Lweqiniso”, highlight the duo’s emotive storytelling and commitment to preserving maskandi’s cultural roots.
Handy revealed that the team is also preparing for a two-country album launch.
“We’ll be launching the album starting in Plumtree before spreading to other cities, and we’ll also host a launch in South Africa. This is a new sound that deserves to reach a wider audience,” he said.
Meanwhile, celebrations are underway in KoZimnyama after Aphiwe and Sobancane surpassed 100,000 followers on Facebook — a milestone that underscores their growing regional fan base.
In a message to supporters, the duo expressed gratitude for the support that continues to drive their rise.
“We are humbled by the love and support from our people. This milestone shows that rural voices can reach the world. Digital platforms are giving traditional musicians space to share their art globally while keeping the spirit of maskandi alive.”
Fifi Cooper, born Refilwe Boingotlo Moeketsi, rose to fame in the mid-2010s as one of South Africa’s most dynamic hip-hop artists, blending Setswana lyrics with Motswako rap. Known for hits such as “Kisses” and “Freedom”, she has become an influential figure in shaping South Africa’s contemporary music scene.
Aphiwe and Sobancane, meanwhile, represent a new generation of maskandi artists reshaping the traditional genre for modern audiences.
Hailing from Matabeleland South, the duo’s music celebrates Zulu heritage while embracing collaborations across genres and borders — a formula that is fast earning them recognition across southern Africa.
With the “Ukufa” video shoot taking place in Bulawayo, the partnership between Fifi Cooper and the KoZimnyama-born duo signals an exciting moment for cross-border collaboration and the evolving sound of southern African music.
263Culture
