Zambian top rapper and comedian Emmanuel Mekelani Phiri alias Ndine Emma has announced that he will be releasing his first solo studio album titled Matero in the Building on August 30th 2025.
The announcement video suggests that this album is set to highlight his resilience through struggles during his time growing up in Lusaka City’s township of Matero and how they influenced him in becoming what he is now.
“In the streets of Matero, dreams were born on dusty roads and in crowded yards. This is where my story began. From nothing to something,” he said.
With his struggles seemingly being at the epicentre of his motivation in creating this project, Ndine Emma talked about how most of his community members didn’t believe in him and how he harnessed that energy, creating into art and propelling him into this “Ndine Emma.”
He said, “From being laughed at for telling jokes to being celebrated for telling my truths. Matero in the House is more than an album. It’s a testament to the grind.”
He continued, “People said, you can’t be a comedian and an artist. But I kept going. With my mother’s prayers in my heart and my friends pushing me forward. I turned every note into a verse. Every challenge into a chorus of victory. These songs are a journey.”
Ndine Emma has made several hits that young ones rap to, and people in clubs enjoy whenever he performs.
This is the rapper’s second project after 2023’s 9-track extended play(EP), BOY MUST BE CRAZY.
Coupled by powerful motivation to create the album Matero in the House, the rapper’s first album promises to be a magical record and one to propel him to being a permanent mainstream artist.
His fans are excited and can’t wait to give the project an ear when it is released this August 30th.
The rapper wants to make a statement. He closed with a powerful message, “From Matero to the world. Matero in the House. Greatness lives here.”
