Mudanisi launched his latest album, Soteria, at Nala Restobar in Kew, Johannesburg, on 15 August 2026, with Dark Dindie Radio and support from the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO). The event brought together listeners, DJs and alternative musicians for an evening centred on community, spirituality and experimentation.
Music curators Billion and Dark Dindie opened the programme, and vocalist Ndumiso Beloved performed live. The audience responded enthusiastically, with some attendees describing the experience as emotionally moving and healing.
Faith and creative process
The album explores Mudanisi’s relationship with Christianity and the grounding he says he found through faith. His wife and long-time collaborator, Ndumiso Beloved, was closely involved in the project and its launch.
“What inspired the album was me seeking God and finding salvation in Christ. Afterwards I felt called to create something that reflects what I’m going through as an artist,” Mudanisi said.
The title Soteria comes from the Greek word for salvation. Beloved said the project was shaped by the idea that there is power in community.
“The inception of this project was made primarily from the fact that there is power in community,” she said. “Soteria, being derived from the Greek word ‘salvation’, reflects that you cannot be saved on your own. Although it’s a personal journey, there has to be a community around you to help you through whatever you may be going through.”
Collaborators and sound
Mudanisi brought together Luyandusapho, AraSoul Sax, Hlogii Sehowa, Yoyo Sitar, Tomer Yihleli and Beloved. The album connects his faith with elements of traditional African music and alternative jazz. AraSoul Sax added percussion to much of the project and the live performances, introducing an Afrocentric texture to the arrangements.
Live sets and reception
Billion opened with a bossa nova-influenced set that recalled Mudanisi’s debut album, Point of View. Ndumiso Beloved followed with an abstract, atmospheric performance that shifted the room toward Mudanisi’s main set. Although Soteria had been released only a day earlier, sections of the audience were already singing along during the listening session.
Dark Dindie closed the evening with a set drawing from Asian, East and West African influences, inviting people to dance. Neno Stunner and Castro followed with bossa nova-inspired selections, bringing the event to a lively close.
Mudanisi has stated an ambition to release a full-length project annually.
