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South African soul legend Ringo Madlingozi is bringing family, music and healing together in one deeply personal project, joining his sons, Phila Madlingozi and ThandaMusic, for a two-track EP titled Uthando Ngundoqo (Love Is Essential).

Set for release on 6 November 2026, the project is a heartfelt reflection on love, loss and the lasting influence of mothers. Bringing three voices from the same family together, the EP honours the women who shaped their lives while exploring how love continues to carry us through grief.

At the heart of the project is Intliziyo Yam (My Heart), an emotionally charged song written following the passing of Ringo’s mother earlier this year. The track reflects on the emptiness left by losing a parent, while celebrating the wisdom, strength and love that remain long after a loved one is gone.

For the Madlingozi family, the song carries a particularly personal meaning. While Ringo mourns his mother, both Phila and ThandaMusic have also experienced the loss of their own mothers. Their individual journeys through grief converge in a shared tribute to the women whose love and influence helped shape who they are today.

Rather than focusing solely on the pain of losing a loved one, Intliziyo Yam celebrates the enduring connection between parents and children. It serves as a reminder that even when mothers are no longer physically present, their lessons, memories and values continue to live on through the lives they touched.

Speaking about the project, Ringo Madlingozi says the music reflects a deeply personal chapter in the family’s journey.

“This project comes from a very real place in our family’s journey,” says Ringo Madlingozi. “Each of us has experienced the loss of a mother. That pain never leaves you, but neither does the love. These songs are about carrying that love with us, honouring the women who raised us, and recognising that love remains the foundation of everything we do”.

The EP’s second track, Uthando Ngundoqo (Love Is Essential), builds on that message, affirming love as the foundation of family, healing and human connection. Together, the two songs tell a story of remembrance and resilience, acknowledging the pain of loss while celebrating the love that continues to sustain those left behind.

Musically, the project brings together Ringo’s unmistakable soulful voice with the contemporary sounds of Phila Madlingozi and ThandaMusic. The collaboration marks a significant moment in the Madlingozi family’s musical legacy, bridging generations through honest storytelling and a shared emotional experience.

Fans can pre-add Uthando Ngundoqo from 16 October 2026. Those who pre-add the EP will receive Intliziyo Yam immediately, offering an early introduction to the project ahead of its full release on 6 November.

With Intliziyo Yam and Uthando Ngundoqo, Ringo Madlingozi, Phila Madlingozi and ThandaMusic deliver more than a family collaboration. They offer a tribute to motherhood, a reflection on grief, and a reminder that love does not end with loss; it lives on in the people we become and the values we carry forward.

Uthando Ngundoqo arrives on 6 November 2026.

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