Umle (South Africa)

Hailing from Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, Umle are a duo who have coined their music ‘Sis Today’ (today’s sound mixed with all influences), a perfect blend of sound and melody seasoned with a pinch of soul, spiced with boom bap, hip hop and mbaqanga. The name ‘Umle’, in isiXhosa meaning ‘smoke residue’ - from the heat of the sun, the duo want to leave a permanent mark to those who come across their sound. Their lyrical content is a fluid combination of isiXhosa and English, it reports on social issues that the band witnesses around and tries to deliver a message of hope in a comedic manner with very lively performances. The duo is composed of Guitarist/Vocalist Siphamandla Fete aka Spara and Siyabonga Radu aka Feido, who over the years have won the hearts and minds of music lovers from all over South Africa. Umle are influenced by such artists as Madala Kunene, Brenda Fassie, Jabu Khanyile, Frank Ocean, Lauryn Hill and classic cinema.

They have graced the stage with: Msaki, Nduduzo Makhathini, Bongeziwe Mabandla, Nakhane Toure, Sho Madjozi, Jean Grae (USA), Dessa (USA), Leomile, SIbusile Xaba, LaliBoi, Urban Village, The Brother Moves On, to name a few. Performed acclaimed stages from Oppikoppi, The National Arts Festival (winning the standing ovation award in 2015), The South African State Theatre and featured on TV ‘Mikasi Sukasi’ (SABC1 -2015), ‘Brothers & Sisters with Soul’ (SABC 1-2016), ‘Forever Young’ (Vuzu-2016), ‘TurnUP. (Channel O-2016), “Weekend Edition” –(SABC 3). They opened for LadumaMaxhosa’s “my heritage my inheritance” exhibition. Signing with ALTBLK>> a home for unique African independent artists, founded by Msaki (who they collaborated with on two tracks on her debut album). They released their first EP, Abantwana Belanga in 2021 which featured singles ‘iWatch Endala’ - “An ode to the “old timers", this is a song of how a child gets to see the steps they were warned about. Of going back to tell the parents of the lessons they instilled. A story of mistakes, love, and heart. A tribute to both the songwriter's fathers who passed on before they could see them on stage, doing something worthwhile with their lives. ‘She Been Queen’ - a feel-good track about having a conversation with a beautiful person, eyeing each other and seeking love. Pushing people in the circle to have the last dance. The EP was produced by Nduduzo Makhathini and features Tino Dambaneuanga playing on drums, Spanish Fly on bass, Nosipho Twaniand Cwaita Rula on backing vocals. Umle’s music speaks to messages often hidden inside, meaningful conversations needed to be had. Be sure to catch this duo when in a town near you or stream their acclaimed debut EP on all digital platforms. Press/Reviews: “Their seven-track EP offers listeners a potent dose of encapsulating vocals and distinct musical textures.” - Music In Africa “Unflinchingly honest, unapologetic and poignant.” - City Life Arts “Umle release She Been Queen, a bewitching dedication to what happens when you fall in love on a night out.” - Zkhiphani

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