By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Kwaito legend Kabelo “Bouga 2 Shoes” Mabalane has officially returned to music with his new single Everybody Needs Somebody, after an 11-year hiatus.
Everybody Needs Somebody carries a message centred on human connection, encouragement and the importance of having people to lean on.
It also reflects the direction Mabalane has taken over the years, bringing together the spirit of his kwaito roots with gospel and motivational influences that speak to his present chapter.
The collaboration with The Arrows adds another layer to the release, bringing together his established musical identity with the duo’s pop rock background.
Mabalane shared the news on Instagram, using the occasion to thank The Arrows and the people who have supported him throughout his journey.
Mabalane wrote, “Today, I let the song leave me and become yours. It’s out in the world now, so go find it, feel it, and take whatever part of it speaks to you. And this is only the beginning. There’s a whole body of work on the way. The album is coming soon. This year!
“There have been stops, starts, detours and a lot of life in between. But I promised you new music, and I’m keeping that promise.”
The single is the first release from his upcoming 10th solo album, marking his return to releasing solo music.
The former TKZee member last released an album, “Immortal Vol. 3” in 2015, in a previous post on social media shared why he is now stepping back into the studio, saying it all came down to authenticity.