Award-winning Bulawayo jazz musician Charles Banda, popularly known as Mahlaba, is set to launch his latest album, Life – Impilo, on August 1, a deeply personal project inspired by everyday life.
The 11-track album explores love, hope, struggle and triumph, marking a new chapter in the musician's journey as a storyteller.
"This album tells my story, but it also tells the story of anyone living in this world," Mahlaba said.
Unlike his previous releases, Life – Impilo follows one continuous narrative, taking listeners through themes of resilience, love, pain, loss, hope and celebration.
"The album is rooted in real life—struggle, hope, love, loss and celebration. The sound is proudly Zimbabwean, born in Bulawayo," he said.
Mahlaba said work on the album began in 2023, with each song developing naturally rather than being driven by commercial expectations.
"Every song comes from real experiences and honest conversations," he said.
The album was recorded at Loud Records Studio in what the artist described as a family-oriented environment. It was produced by Erastus Nleya, who also played all the instruments and drums.
Other musicians featured on the project include Prince Nleya on bass guitar, Sam Siwela on lead guitar, Renecole Mwuririma on keyboards, Brilliant Sithole and Vuyelwa Khumalo on backing vocals, while veteran guitarist Trust Samende makes a special appearance.
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"Having Trust Samende on the album gave it a timeless, spiritual feel we had never achieved before," Mahlaba said.
He said Life – Impilo marks a major turning point in his career.
"Life – Impilo marks a new chapter for me. I am stepping fully into storytelling through music, moving from simply making songs to creating music with purpose and lasting meaning," he said.
The album follows his 2023 release, Imizwa (Feelings), a 10-track Afro-jazz project that explored the emotions people experience in everyday life. The album also marked his shift from Afro-pop to a richer, live-band Afro-jazz sound.
Over the years, Mahlaba has established himself as one of Zimbabwe's leading contemporary jazz musicians. Besides performing, he is a composer, songwriter, music director and vocal coach. He also serves as the Artistic Director of Sunduza Dance Theatre in Bulawayo.
His passion for music was shaped by his late father, legendary imbube musician Simon "Dr Mahlaba" Banda, from whom he inherited the stage name "Mahlaba". Influenced by Simon Banda, Jabu Khanyile, Bongiwe Mabandla and Don Gumbo, he has developed a distinctive sound that blends Afro-jazz with traditional Zimbabwean music.
His work has earned him Zimbabwe Music Award nominations, and he later won the Best Jazz award. He has also received recognition at the Bulawayo Arts Awards.
Mahlaba said he hopes the album will connect with listeners on a personal level.
"I want people to see their own experiences in these songs, feel heard and remember that every journey matters," he said.
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