Xixel Langa shares new album Vatekile: An Album Transformed by the Pandemic and Personal Loss

“Vatekile, an album conceived about five years ago, underwent a transformation during the pandemic, a period marked by the heartbreaking loss of my dear father” says Langa “It evolved into a collection of melancholic melodies, reflecting the multitude of challenges we faced during these trying times, from the scarcity of job opportunities to the heartbreaking loss of friends and family.”

The title, Vatekile, carries a significant meaning as it translates to "TAKEN" in Portuguese. Most of the songs in this album are sung in the Tsonga language, Shangana, with a blend of Portuguese (the official language of Mozambique) and English. The album draws a parallel between the historical enslavement of our ancestors and the devastating loss of our loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recorded in South Africa, this album was expertly produced by Bokani Dyer and co-produced by Xixel Langa. Its creation was made possible through the support of Empresa Electricidade de Moçambique, and in 2022, Vatekile finally came to life.

Vatekile serves as a tribute to those we have lost and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit during challenging times.