Zuko SA Opens His Heart In ‘Ondithumileyo’, A Journey of Faith, Growth And Healing

When life calls for change, few answer with as much honesty and vulnerability as Afro-soul musician and producer Zuko SA. Fresh off the release of his latest album Ondithumileyo, the multi-award-winning Afro Soul musician and Producer sat down for an exclusive interview on Slikouronlife, opening up about the stories, emotions and divine guidance that shaped his most personal body of work yet.

The album’s heartbeat, he revealed, came from its title track Ondithumileyo, which also became the foundation for the rest of the project. “There are people we have to lose along the way for our growth,” Zuko SA shared. “Basically, from the new album I’m speaking about my life experiences and also how important it is for us to adapt to change.” That theme of growth and letting go runs deep throughout the project, shaping each note with a raw sense of reflection.

Not every song came easily to Zuko SA he shared and confessed that one of the toughest to finish was track number seven titled Ma Love being a song born from heartbreak. “It’s not easy to accept when a relationship has to end and when you have to start on a new chapter,” he admitted. “I’m just a living proof that it’s possible and writing about it was more therapeutic.”

While the emotional depth of the album is unmistakable, it’s also a project where Zuko SA challenged himself sonically. “When I was listening to the previous album Umkhonto, I wanted to make sure that the new album doesn’t sound like the older one even with the writing skills,” he said. “Hence this album took six months, because with every song I worked on, I had to make sure that I give it more like three weeks to perfect it.” The result is a record that balances soulful storytelling with refreshing acoustic textures, all tied together by his unmistakable voice.

The meaning behind Ondithumileyo, which translates to “He Who Sent Me,” became both a reminder and a source of strength for Zuko SA during the creative process. “There were so many times I felt like this music thing is not gonna work this time,” he recalled. “Cause we as artists are always calculating what’s trending now and if we see the numbers on streaming going down and social media you gonna panic and think you not gonna win.” In those moments of doubt, his faith grounded him. “Him feeling left out God will put him in front,” he reflected, emphasizing that his talent “wasn’t hand made by any human being besides God himself.”

For Zuko SA, surrendering in a creative sense means staying rooted. “I think you must be able to understand yourself and how it’s important as creatives to understand your identity more than anything,” he explained. “Once you understand that and where you from, cause when challenges come into your life you won’t be easily shaken.”

That groundedness also extends to how he uplifts others. Zuko SA shared his excitement about including rising artist Sokhanna on the album, saying, “Her excitement when I approached Sokhanna gave me that thing that she wants to be a musician so let me do what I can as a musician who’s in the industry and hope that South Africa would give her a chance to share her talent.” He’s also embraced collaboration and mentorship, crediting DJ Sosoa for introducing him to producing three-step and opening new creative doors.

Looking ahead, Zuko SA plans to tour across the Eastern Cape, Durban and Cape Town, performing songs from Ondithumileyo live and connecting with the people who inspired its message. With plans to expand the project and include songs that didn’t make the final cut, it’s clear his journey is far from over.

Ondithumileyo is now available on every streaming platform, and it isn’t just an album but it’s a testimony of faith, self-discovery and resilience. Through every lyric and chord, Zuko SA reminds us of that growth often comes from loss and sometimes, being sent on a new path is exactly what the soul needs. Check out full interview on YouTube.