BY Nkosazana Ngwadla
Serendipity may best describe the twist of fate that led Yoav and Jabulile Majola’s paths to converge. Two strangers raised in different worlds, brought together through a musical collaboration that defies expectations, while exploring a shared journey of discovery, vulnerability, and healing.
Yoav, widely known for his Indie Folk sound, was raised in a home versed in Classical music and Opera. Rebelling against his formal musical upbringing, Yoav picked up the guitar in secret, developing a unique style of electronic-esque writing that has captured audiences worldwide. Jabulile, on the other hand, is fresh to the scene. Raised in a Children’s Home by a Christian couple in Greytown, Kwazulu Natal, he discovered a passion for music, utilising it to share stories via the Church.
Their paths crossed through a mutual friend, leading them to embark on a writing session. Within a day, the duo had recorded the initial idea for “Stranger” and after the positive responses they received from friends, they agreed to keep collaborating until eventually the album UNYAZI emerged.
With Yoav’s signature ethereal acoustic sound merging seamlessly with Jabulile’s heartfelt lyrics and captivating vocals, “Stranger” becomes an anthem for embracing the unknown, and a testament to the power of connection to overcome the fear of change.
Their upcoming album, UNYAZI (which refers to the moment of brief luminescence that fills the sky after a flash of lightning) is an invitation to delve into the intimate and transformative world that Yoav and Jabulile have crafted together.
The album represents a tapestry of emotions, shaped by the personal bereavement each experienced during the recording process, while also speaking more generally to the collective grief we’ve all experienced over the last few years. The album is a glimpse into the process of individual, and shared healing.
Each track on the album carries a raw authenticity. Using both Zulu & English lyrics, the duo express their respective journeys and vulnerabilities, while inviting listeners to explore their own emotional landscapes.
As Yoav explains, “Throughout the process of writing this record, it felt like we were going through a collective grief. Our intention was to create something healing and nourishing, and in the process, we experienced healing ourselves. UNYAZI becomes a vessel through which their emotional journey and creative bond is transmitted to listeners, offering solace, comfort, and a sense of shared humanity.
Through their shared journey as strangers turned collaborators, they have created something truly extraordinary. As they embark on this new chapter together, they invite you to join them.
Catch Yoav & Jabulile Majola’s debut performance at Cape Town’s Avalon Auditorium at the HOMECOMING CENTRE (formerly known as The Fugard Theatre) in District Six on 1 September.
Image: Supplied
