Da Mabusa's 'Ungigcine' is a raw plea for protection, powerfully blending amapiano and gospel

South African music is evolving, with genres blending to create new sounds. 

The rhythms of amapiano, the depth of gospel and other styles are coming together to produce music that crosses boundaries.

One artist experimenting with this fusion is multi-platinum-selling Da Mabusa, whose real name is Johan Sifiso Sithebe. 

He recently returned with a new single, “Ungigcine”, featuring Noex and DJ Kayd Boizen. The song’s verses, such as “Ngyacela Baba, uzuphendule imithandazo yethu” (“Please Father, answer our prayers”), reflect the longing of many seeking hope or relief. 

At the same time, the lyrics convey perseverance, as in Mabusa’s line, “Mina ngizobambelela kuwe, noma isimo singavumi” (“I will hold on to you, even if the situation is not favourable”).

“‘Ungigcine’ is deeply personal,” Mabusa told “Independent Media Lifestyle”. 

“It’s a song of surrender, about trusting God completely, even when life feels uncertain. The lyrics remind us that blessings come not from control, but from letting go and believing we are being kept for a reason.”

Born in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga, Mabusa’s musical journey began in church and community choirs, spaces that nurtured both his faith and his love for music. 

His breakout hit, “Umama Owangizalayo”, became a gold-selling cultural anthem, heard in stadiums, churches and traditional gatherings across the country.

Today, Mabusa is an award-winning and gold-certified artist at the forefront of a wave of spiritual amapiano, combining faith, culture and contemporary sound. His latest album, “Ivuduvudu”, aims to bring this sound to a global audience, celebrating hope, endurance and unity.

“‘Ungigcine’ is a song that speaks to the soul, inspired by moments of introspection and connection with the divine,” Mabusa added. 

“I hope listeners find solace, hope and a deeper spiritual connection when they hear it. With ‘Ungigcine’ and ‘Ivuduvudu’, I want to contribute to the global movement of African spiritual sound. These projects blend traditional elements with contemporary amapiano, showcasing the genre’s richness and diversity.” 

“I’m humbled by the success of ‘Umama Owangizalayo’. With this new work, I aspire to nurture faith, celebrate cultural heritage and unite my audience through shared experiences and emotions,” he said.