Intaba Yase Dubai

Intaba Yase Dubai made his name as a rising star in South Africa's rapidly growing Maskandi scene, which is digitally updating traditional Zulu folk sounds. Born Lindokuhle Msomi in the Maphumulo municipality in 1995, Intaba took an aspirational stage name that references Dubai's impressive skyscape, then broke out with a guest spot on the banging 2020 track “Mali Eningi (Lots of Money)” from Maskandi star Big Zulu. On his own, Dubai is more concerned with the affairs of the heart, delivering earnest vocals in “tribal trap” arrangements that feature Indigenous percussion. He sings of unrequited love over the loping bassline of “Sbali (Brother-in-Law)”, a hit single that reflects his sympathy for lonely guys, and has referred to himself as Udokotela Weyishimane, a.k.a the doctor of bachelors. Dubai sings for an audience with its eye on the prize, no matter how distant—or how unlikely—it might be.