SA Celebs
Shekhinah Revives Lebo Mathosa's Iconic 'I Love Music'
Shekhinah's new version of the beloved anthem celebrates its legacy while connecting with today's audience.
In a captivating blend of nostalgia and modern flair, Shekhinah has reimagined the iconic track 'I Love Music,' originally by the late Lebo Mathosa, for Spotify Singles. This fresh interpretation not only marks the celebration of two decades since the song debuted in 2006 but also aims to introduce the beloved anthem to a new generation.
As reported by BONA Entertainment, the decision to reinterpret 'I Love Music' aligns perfectly with Spotify's EQUAL programme, which has been championing women in music for five years now across various markets, including South Africa. Through this initiative, Shekhinah's new rendition honors Mathosa's profound influence while resonating with contemporary audiences, merging a rich musical legacy with today's sounds.
Since its debut, 'I Love Music' has amassed over 1.8 million global Spotify streams, with a staggering 88% of those coming from South Africa. Its enduring popularity has only increased over the years, particularly since gaining significant attention in 2018, highlighting an impressive 95% compound annual growth rate in streaming.
Johannesburg stands as the heart of this anthem's appeal, accounting for over 700,000 all-time streams. The surrounding Gauteng region, including cities like Pretoria, Centurion, and Midrand, collectively represents more than 75% of the track's national streams. This speaks volumes about the song's far-reaching influence across age demographics, especially with listeners aged 35 - 44 forming the largest streaming group, followed closely by those in the 18 - 24 and 30 - 34 age ranges. This diverse audience underlines the track's continued relevance and its ability to engage newer generations while still captivating older fans.
As Spotify's Jodie Tabisher aptly noted, great South African music "evolves, gets rediscovered, and finds new listeners." With Shekhinah's reinterpretation, 'I Love Music' appears poised to continue this journey, fostering connections between the past and present.
The legacy of Lebo Mathosa further amplifies the song's importance in South Africa's cultural tapestry. As we celebrate this iconic work, Shekhinah's rendition serves as a bridge that welcomes listeners from all walks of life to tap into the rhythmic heart of South Africa's vibrant music scene.
Fans can now enjoy Shekhinah's revitalized version of 'I Love Music' on Spotify, ensuring that Mathosa's beloved track maintains its status as a staple in the soundtrack of modern South Africa, uniting different generations through the universal language of music.