iFani returns with introspective new EP Msebenzi Wam

August 3, 2026 3:53 pm

Award-winning South African rapper iFani has officially returned to the music scene with the release of his eight-track EP, Msebenzi Wam, marking the start of a new chapter following years away from the spotlight.

The project follows renewed interest in the rapper’s catalogue after his 2012 hit “Shake” found a new audience on TikTok, sparking a viral comeback and leading to the release of a remix featuring emerging artists.

For iFani, born Mzayifani Mzondeleli Boltina, Msebenzi Wam is more than a musical release. It reflects his personal growth, renewed purpose and commitment to creating authentic music rooted in his isiXhosa heritage.

“This new chapter with Asanda Empires is about growth, purpose, and pushing my artistry further than ever before,” he said. “There’s a lot of new music and creative work on the way, and I’m excited to share it with the world.”

A comeback built on reflection

The EP arrives after more than a decade of highs and lows in the rapper’s career. Speaking about his return, iFani said stepping away from the industry allowed him to rediscover what truly matters.

He revealed that exhaustion, coupled with his widely publicised feud with the late AKA in 2015, played a major role in his decision to take a break from music.

“During my time away, all my views and beliefs changed,” he explained.

“I found value in people and in little things that bring happiness, like raising kids, taking long walks, going to the beach and embracing cultural traditions. I wasn’t following music—I was happy with my family and understanding my purpose in life.”

Now signed to Asanda Empires, the rapper says he feels inspired and ready to build the next phase of his career.

Throughout his career, iFani has become known for blending catchy hip-hop with socially conscious lyrics and proudly incorporating isiXhosa into mainstream South African rap.

He says preserving the language remains one of his biggest motivations.

“We were taught at UCT that as engineers we should create for others,” he said.

“I saw Xhosa as a language that could slowly disappear because more young people were switching to English. I wanted to engineer it back into the system through music and entertainment. I’ve learnt from my failures, and I’m back to continue that journey.”

The recent resurgence of “Shake” has introduced iFani’s music to younger audiences while reconnecting longtime fans with one of South African hip-hop’s most recognisable tracks.

The rapper says seeing children who once attended his performances grow up and embrace the song again has been one of the most rewarding parts of his comeback.

“It’s exciting and heartwarming,” he said. “Those kids have grown, and it warms my heart to see that they still remember.”

He added that his music has endured because he has always chosen originality over trends.

“My sound has always been unique—hence the name iFani, ayifani; it’s not the same. I’ve always thought outside the box.”

The partnership with Asanda Empires has given the rapper renewed confidence as he prepares for his upcoming full-length album, 3rd Quadrant.

He says fans can expect a more mature sound shaped by his life experiences while staying true to the honest storytelling that defined his earlier work.

“The new sound has grown because I have grown as a person and as an artist,” he said. “Fans should expect to laugh and to cry. As always, it’s only truth and honesty in my music.”