Duppa Makhabelo returns with fourth album

Kwaito artist Fillipus Kapia, better known as Duppa Makhabelo, has returned to the music scene with a fourth studio album.

Apart from his musical passion, the ‘Omtonyo’ hitmaker is also well known for his football skills.

Makhabelo returns to the music scene with an album called ‘The Gratitude’, which he released on his birthday recently.

He says the album expresses gratitude to God for blessing him with the determination to keep working diligently.

Mnali Makhazola mixed and mastered the 10-track album at Elly Moo Studio at Ondangwa, after DJ Pana, DJ High and M-Jay produced it.

Makhabelo collaborated on the album alongside Mbuku, Neslow, and Exit.

He says the quality and level of maturity of his music have improved since the release of his previous album, called ‘Oxygen’.

‘Big Big’ is a popular song on the new album, and has a corresponding music video.

The music video for ‘Big Big,’ a song that is presently popular on social media, was released on 19 March.

Makhabelo says the song aims to “awaken pantsula and hardcore kwaito”.

Sodo of Basement Film Production shot the video in Windhoek.

With the refrain “no pain, no gain”, track eight on the album, ‘Ixuna’, which translates to ‘struggle’, encourages listeners to work hard for whatever it is they wish to achieve.

Makhabelo is also outspoken about violence.

“Gender-based violence has become the norm in our terrible world. I’m begging everyone to get help.

“Say no to all forms of violence, including emotional, psychological, sexual and financial aggression,” he says.

Since entering the music industry in 2002, Makhabelo has produced hits like ‘Non Stop’, which was overseen by 3Wu and Dr Shikololo.

The late Mandoza, Brown Dash, and Mzekezeke inspire him, he says.

“I took a break from music for four years due to personal reasons, and got back in the industry in 2006,” he says.

Makhabelo says he used to have a band called M’deveen, with band members from Omuthiya.

“Due to school and work at different towns, we had to separate and go solo for those who furthered music, although we still have our incomplete album, which is titled ‘The Return of M’Deveen’,” he says.

The singer’s second album, ‘Page 1’, was released in 2015.

It included the popular song ‘Omtonyo’, starring Exit, which became popular on radio stations and got Kwaito fans dancing to the beat.

‘Omtonyo’ gives the youth advice on how to live, Makhabelo says.

“They need to understand that life is about more than just entertainment, and that they shouldn’t waste their money on pointless items.

“Above all, they should prioritise their studies,” he says.

‘Omufukendi Ihakolo’, which translates to ‘a jealous person never prospers’, is the name of the singer’s second album, which was published in 2019.

Makhabelo released his third album, ‘Oxygen’, in 2022.