Joel Zuma, a singer, songwriter and producer has released his long-awaited Afro-Soul album ‘Essence of Love’ on the 28 February 2025. The album was preceded by two single Thando Futhi and A Place Called Love.
‘Essence of Love’ is the second studio album that Joel Zuma has released in his career. The first offering ‘When The Time Is Right’ was released in 2012 under the record label EMI before it was bought by Universal Music Group. The debut album introduced JOEL to the music industry and gained him a lot of fans when they heard his rich and smooth voice and romantic lyrics.
Joel has recently started his own record label UBIZO MUSIC, partnered with Sheer Publishing. The album has been in the making for a few years allowing JOEL to find the best producers, top musicians and best facilities to record this soon to be a classic Afro-Soul album.
‘Essence of Love’ is a catalogue of love and inspiration songs. The variety of love themes, catchy lyrics and the quality production tells you that a lot of time and effort has been put in making the album. Joel is an accomplished producer but he opted to collaborate with top producers like Tshepo Mngoma, Papy Nsenga, Banda Banda and the late Lawrence Matshiza in making the album. Essence of Love is recorded with live instruments played by some of the best musicians in South Africa.
The album beautifully blends Afro-Soul, Pop and African Rhythms with subtle elements of Jazz. Joel has a rich soulful voice and he has been singing ballads for years, this is evident in powerful ballads like ‘Isandla Sakho’ and ‘Sale Sewazi’. What is refreshing is that in this album he experiments with Pop sounds and Dance beats, showing his versatility while getting us tapping and dancing. Even with uptempo dance rhythms of songs like ‘Isphiwo Sami (The Gift)’ and ‘Make You Dance’ the lyrical content is still about love and inspiration which is clearly Joel’s favorite subject.
‘Essence Of Love’ is well curated to please all lovers of good music whether young or young at heart. It is quickly gaining support and clearly it is going to be in our playlists on radio shows, weddings, soul sessions for many years to come.
Essence of Love-Album Launch will take place at Hard Rock Café at the Nelson Mandela Square (Sandton) on Thursday 27 March. Joel and his band will be performing hits from the new album and selected hits from his first album. Show time 8PM
Tickets: R200 at Webtickets and Pick n Pay nationwide.
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