SA: Bongeziwe Mabandla drops Walila ahead of upcoming album

The track follows the earlier singles ‘Yilwa’ and ‘Zama’ and arrives alongside the opening of album pre-orders for Ndingubani.

Walila was written by Mabandla and long-time collaborator Tiago Correia-Paulo. According to the artist, the song explores themes of karma, accountability and emotional reckoning through theatrical storytelling and humour.

“Walila is a theatrical and humorous reflection on karma, the idea that our actions always find their way back to us,” Mabandla said. “The song came to me while playing guitar and thinking about how people eventually face the consequences of what they’ve done. I wanted to express that idea simply but vividly, which is where the phrase ‘crying tiny little tears’ came from.”

The single was developed from a guitar composition before evolving into a narrative-driven song influenced by Mabandla’s theatre background.

“My theatre background really shaped the storytelling in this song,” he said. “I imagined a moment of finally facing someone who had wronged me, with the truth unfolding in front of everyone. Even though the theme is about injustice, the song carries a playful and dramatic energy.”

He added: “Walila is ultimately about justice, balance and the beauty of karma over time. It’s funny, bold and quite different from the more uplifting songs I usually write.”

Mabandla, a Metro FM Award and Feather Award recipient, has built a reputation for blending Afro-soul, folk influences and narrative songwriting. His upcoming album Ndingubani is expected to continue themes of identity, vulnerability and personal reflection explored in his recent work.

The release of ‘Walila’ comes ahead of the album’s official launch in June.

Contributors: Muvhango Ndou, Bakang Mokgautsi, Satiate Chauke, Shaked Khuzwayo, and Sisi Nkabinde