Musician and songwriter Mbulelo Fata, known professionally as Mbu Soul or Elamago announces the release of his four-track debut EP, titled The Elamago Project.
To also mark this milestone, Mbu Soul is unveiling an inspiring new initiative — the Refuge Hub, a creative development space dedicated to emerging creatives from based in Johannesburg.
The Refuge Hub, established in partnership with entrepenuer, mentor and Mdantsane FM 89.5 Programmes manager Xabiso Gqirhana and Elethu Mevana and The Reef Hotel, a hotel synonymous with luxury and artistic innovation in the heart of Johannesburg.
The Refuge Hub aims to expand opportunities and re-imagine possibilities beyond traditional industry boundaries, creating a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for young talents to collaborate, learn, and build meaningful networks. The project also aims to promote cultural exchange and unity through travel and shared creative experiences.
“This project is about opening doors for voices that have often gone unheard. It’s about creating a space of belonging, expression, and legacy,” said Mbu Soul.
“Many emerging creatives and media students struggle with limited access to resources, mentorship, platforms and collaborative spaces. These challenges inspired the creation of a safe hub that prioritizes belonging, development and access to real industry experience,” he added.
As part of this ongoing movement, the The Refuge Hub are preparing to launchan a gathering in East London, joined by prominent figure Penuel the Black Pen, and Rashid Kay to name a few. The tour seeks to bridge alternative and traditional media, fostering collaboration, dialogue, and harmony between creative forms while serving communities through storytelling, performance, and social engagement.
This initiative also honours the memory of late creatives born in the Eastern Cape, namely Akhumzi Jezile, Siya Kobese, Thobani, and Nganga Dlanga.
“The work continues to inspire. May their souls rest in power as their legacy lives on through this movement,” Mbu Soul added.
“The Refuge Hub supports both artists and media students by offering a creative development space, mentorship, collaboration opportunities, industry exposure and practical experience. It opens the door for young people to learn, build networks and find direction in fields such as music, broadcasting, media production, communications and storytelling,” he said.
Flashkumkani, Elethu Mevana-Booi, Blue K and Mbu Soul
Cece Smith 