Local muso releases #FeesMustFall-inspired single

The 27-year-old singer, dancer and actor recently released the self-titled single Phila - featuring hip hop star, Solo.

The song is related to the national #FeesMustFall movement, as well as the #BlackLivesMatter campaign in the US.

Since its release this month on online audio platform SoundCloud , the song has been generating a lot of hype both on the airwaves, and social media. 

Born in Johannesburg, Madlingozi says he grew up in humble beginnings, and was raised by his grandmother in Port Elizabeth.

It was while at school that he became aware of the historical struggles of South African students. 

Madlingozi believes that 2016 will go down in history as an important year for the youth of South Africa, as it's reminiscent of the call for freedom and education that the class of 76 also fought for four decades ago.

His claim to fame was when he landed a role in the SABC series Intersections (when). He also showcased his singing talents on reality music show, Idols (season 11) - in which he placed in the Top 16.

But it was whilst shooting his newest project - a series which airs on SABC (1, 2, 3) (when), called 'Mutual Friends' - that the concept of Phila was born. 

Madlingozi says he was asked by the producers to come up with a song related to the series - which follows a group of South African students, and the various struggles they face. 

"They told me to write something that speaks for the black person, and Phila was my own expression of how it feels to be a young black aspiring man trying to make a difference. 'Phila' means live, it means life," he said.  

He says the series is reflective of the current situation facing students in SA, which made writing the song a personal experience for him.

"One student goes to the US and faces the struggles faced by black people and he is introduced to the Black Lives Matter campaign. While here in South Africa, we follow another student with financial challenges between the university and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)," he said. 

Madlingozi says people have embraced and welcomed his single, with some calling it the "Fees Must Fall' song.

However, critics have also hit out at Madlingozi - accusing him of trying to gain fame by riding on the #FeesMustFall wave, and 'exploiting the struggle.' 

He says he understands the struggle intimately.

"I have family, friends, and fans who are affected by the fees protests... I was a student too - I couldn't afford to finish my degree. I know how it is to be in that situation. I know so many people who are affected too. So this song is also for them," he said.

Phila says free education is definitely an option for South Africa, but it won't be possible overnight.

He also hit out at those who are taking the law into their own hands by destroying varsity property, saying it's more important to rebuild together 

LISTEN BELOW: Phila Madlingozi's hit song related to #FeesMustFall: