New Music Friday: Internet Athi releases soulful new single "Nguwe"

Cape Town based artist Internet Athi, who has been making waves in the city’s jazz scene, has released a new single titled Nguwe. The song is a heartfelt love ballad about openly professing love, carried by Athi’s smooth and soulful vocals that make every word feel sincere.

For those who have attended Internet Athi’s shows, Nguwe may not sound entirely new, he’s been including it in his setlist for some time. The official release, however, reveals a refined arrangement that elevates the song to new heights. It opens with a stirring violin by Edward Fungayi, which sets the tone perfectly. Athi is accompanied by some of Cape Town’s finest talents: Shaw Komori on trumpet, Vuyo Nkasawe on keys, Curtly Masemola on bass, Timothy Fortes on drums, Umuthiomkhulu Stuurman on trombone, and backing vocals from Athenkosi Cetwayo and Vuyo Tshwele.

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Internet Athi performing with the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra. Image:Instagram/@internetathi

The build-up to the release was a creative tribute to the beauty of music itself. Athi asked fans to create N.G.U.W.E playlists, curating tracks where each title began with the letters of his new single, a playful and intimate way of inviting audiences into his process

Internet Athi first came onto the radar with the success of his single Wena, which swept across the internet, (pun intended). His artistry has since stood out, influenced by greats like Herbie “Malume” Tsoaleli, while bringing a fresh energy reminiscent of Ringo Madlingozi’s celebration of love in music. Athi’s talent is a breath of fresh air, as we have not yet experienced many male jazz vocalists singing about love and the idea of love itself.