No matter what anyone says, the fact is that you just cannot keep a genuine talent down.

We’re talking, of course, about Mandoza who is back – and ready to show the South African music scene that he's doing better than ever, both personally and professionally.

His 2004 album is titled Indoda – taken from a song with lyrics that speak about “stumbling today and rising tomorrow” – and everything about the album points to the fact that the Nkalakatha has returned with full force.

The album sees Mandoza revisit his successful creative partnership with Gabi Le Roux, with the two crafting a sound that is reminiscent of the music they are renowned for (“Godoba”, “Nkalakatha”) but with the added impetus of brand new grooves and sounds. Other producers working on the album include D-Rex (who is producing two songs and collaborating with Mandoza on one), and Mandla Spikiri Mofokeng – both of whom are known for their contemporary hit making ability.

Indoda is jam-packed with hits including “Jahman” which features a deep eKasi bassline and is destined to be a massive club hit as well as “File” which is vintage Mandoza and has lyrics that speak loudly about what the artist’s plans are – “he’s back on the block and everyone else is dead meat”. “My lyrics this time around are definitely more personal – I think that everyone knows the challenges I’ve faced this past year and my life experiences have influenced my writing in a deep way this time around,” Mandoza reveals.

Already “Indoda” is creating a stir at radio – entering the BDS Airplay monitor charts at number 29 in April, the highest new entry of that particular week (April 4 to 10). It’s a strong track that once again sees the trademark Mandoza/Le Roux combination elevated to fresh, new levels. The powerful vocals drive the song ahead and “Indoda” features yet another signature musical hook (something “Nkalakatha” did so cleverly and well). But the recording also includes some dazzling, almost 80s-style musical layers and a blasting horn that’s hard to resist!

Another of the album’s standouts tracks is “Respect” – which features production by D-Rex and is also included on the Yizo Yizo 3 soundtrack. Operating off an atmospheric and brilliantly slow-paced musical bed, here’s a song which sees Mandoza claim new musical ground and, once more, prove his singular way with lyrics.

Other musical influences abound on Indoda – including a fabulous dose of Jamaican vibes on tracks like “Dancehall” which boasts a cleverly placed ragga chant, and more than proves Mandoza’s musical versatility. And there’s a subtle touch of the traditional on “Intsimbi” – a track that was produced by Mandla “Spikiri” Mofokeng and features Jarius on the mic too. “I really believe that this is a more mature, more focused Mandoza that people are hearing on the album,” the artist says. “It’s a reflection of where I am in my life right now.”

Indoda is chart-topping, big-selling stuff from Mandoza and everything points to 2004 being the year in which he reclaims his title as South Africa’s top solo star!

It’s also the year that sees Mandoza settle down. He recently married longtime girlfriend, Mpho Mphuti, in a ceremony that took place on Christmas Eve 2003 – and the singer is also now father to two boys, Tokolo (who was born at the time of the release of Nkalakatha) and now baby Thumelo.

Mandoza is also speaking openly about his rehabilitation saying in a recent interview: "I want to start a new life. I have quit smoking, taking drugs and alcohol. I want to be a better person. Rehabilitation has helped me become a stronger person. I am still on rehab aftercare programmes.” The award-winning, platinum-selling singer pays tribute to his family and friends as well as other artists like Kabelo Mabalane, in assisting him in keeping focused on living the best life he can. “I feel great to know that Indoda is getting played on the radio because my fans need to know that I am back – better than I have ever been.”

Adding to Mandoza’s positivity in 2004 is the inclusion of “Nkalakatha” as one of the South African Music Awards (SAMA) Song of The Decade – a category that has been created specifically for 2004’s SAMA 10 in celebration of the 10th year of the music awards event as well as a decade of democracy in South Africa. “Nkalakatha” is one of 10 songs on a list that will be voted for by the South African public.

“It’s a real honour to be included in the Song of the Decade list. I think Nkalakatha really is the one song that sums up where we have come – it’s kwaito, it’s crossover and it’s still a great listen,” Mandoza says.

The inclusion of the song in this prestigious list is proof positive that Mandoza is a bona fide South African music icon.

His talent first became apparent when Mandoza surfaced as part of kwaito group, Chiskop, and was confirmed in 1999 with the release of one of that year’s top-selling (100 000 units and counting) albums, 9 II 5 Zola South which also earned Mandoza a 2000 FNB South African Music Award nomination as Best Newcomer.