Sminofu iTekisi Album Hits No. 2 on Apple Music South Africa
The taxi has arrived, and South Africa has boarded. Just days after its official release, Sminofu‘s highly anticipated new album ‘iTekisi‘ has topped the charts, sitting at No. 2 across ALL GENRES on the South African Apple Music Top Albums Chart. The album is also dominating YouTube, with 3 songs currently charting in the YouTube Music Top 20 in South Africa.
Released Friday, 16 October 2026 under his global deal with Empire, ‘iTekisi’ is proving to be more than an album – it is a cultural takeover.
The chart dominance comes just hours after Sminofu hosted an exclusive, successful listening session the night before the release, where media, industry peers, Empire executives and close collaborators gathered to experience ‘iTekisi’ for the first time. The intimate session set the tone for what has now become a national celebration of Maskandi.
This chart position is historic. For a Maskandi album to sit at the Top 2 across all genres – above Amapiano, Afro-Pop and 3-Step – is a powerful statement about the genre’s power and Sminofu’s influence. It cements Sminofu as not just a Maskandi leader, but a South African music leader.
Award-winning Maskandi powerhouse Sminofu has firmly established himself as one of the most important voices in modern Maskandi. He is a multi-platinum selling artist, a SAMA Award-nominated musician, and one of the most streamed Maskandi artists in the country. With a string of chart-topping singles, sold-out one-man shows, and a loyal fanbase that spans generations, Sminofu has become a custodian of Maskandi culture while pushing the genre into the mainstream global conversation.
Every South African knows the power of a taxi. It is more than transport – it is community, connection, and story. That is the inspiration behind the album title.
“I chose the title iTekisi because a taxi is something that connects people from different backgrounds and brings them together on a daily basis. Everyone has a destination, a story and a reason for being on that journey. I see the album in the same way. Each song takes you somewhere different, whether it’s through love, life experiences, relationships or the things we go through as people. I want listeners to feel like they’re taking a journey with me through this album.”
“iTekisi is a body of work that reflects life, culture, love and the experiences that shape us. It stays true to the roots of Maskandi while allowing me to express myself through different stories and emotions. I want people to hear themselves in the music, whether they’re going through something, celebrating a moment or simply enjoying the sound. Every song has its own journey, and together they make up the bigger story of iTekisi.”
“The biggest motivation was life itself and the stories happening around me. As an artist, I’m constantly inspired by the people I meet, the conversations I have and the experiences we share as a community. I wanted to create an album that feels close to the people who listen to my music. With iTekisi, the intention was to tell stories that are authentic and relatable while continuing to contribute to the growth and evolution of Maskandi.”
Part of the album’s success is its honesty. Among the 3 songs currently dominating YouTube Music Top 20 are fan-favourites ‘Benilindele Bani’, ‘iTekisi’ and ‘Igeja’.
Sminofu describes songs such ‘Madagascar’ and ‘Emabhilidini’ as deeply personal:
‘Madagascar’ – A soulful love song that takes listeners through a journey of longing and appreciation for your partner.
‘Emabhilidini’ – A powerful hustler’s anthem that speaks about a person’s hustle but emphasizes the hardships people face while trying to be the best versions of themselves.
“Yes, personal experiences are an important part of how I approach music. Even when a song is inspired by someone else’s situation, I try to connect with the emotion behind it and tell the story in a way that feels honest.”
On the night of 15th October, on the eve of release, Sminofu hosted a private listening session in Johannesburg. The room was filled with love, nostalgia and excitement as guests heard ‘iTekisi’ from start to finish for the first time.
“One of the most special parts of making an album is being in the studio when an idea starts coming together and everyone involved begins to feel what the song can become. Those moments remind me why I love making music. With iTekisi, the journey of bringing the different songs to life was important because every session contributed to the bigger picture.”
That same magic was felt at the listening session – and now the rest of the country is feeling it.
The taxi is not stopping. It is just getting started.
STREAM ‘iTEKISI’
https://empi.re/listen/index.php?id=460924
Sminofu is a multi-platinum, SAMA Award-nominated Maskandi artist from KwaZulu-Natal. Known for his authentic storytelling, soulful voice, and modern take on traditional Maskandi, he has become one of the genre’s most celebrated ambassadors.
