There’s a midlife crisis, and then there’s what’s happening to Jacob Zuma at the moment.

Since losing the top political prize in South Africa amidst the looting, State Capture and corruption, the former criminal-in-chief has been making some interesting life choices.

First, he joined Twitter, which caused a lot of journalists to go and lie down for a bit with a cloth over their eyes.

Now, he’s making an album.

According to IOL, the album is being sponsored by the eThekwini Municipality’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Department, and will feature Zuma singing struggle songs.

We haven’t heard him sing in a while, so if you want a recap of what that sounds like, check out this handy comparison video of Zuma singing alongside Mmusi Maimane and Mbuyiseni Ndlozi.

Naturally, the DA isn’t thrilled with the idea of a Zuma album, vowing to block the process moving forward.

“This record deal is blatant patronage, where the people’s money will be used to finance the former president’s lifestyle,” DA councillor Nicole Graham said.

So…just like his presidency?

Before you question the legitimacy of the upcoming album you should also know that Ladysmith Black Mambazo has agreed to sing alongside JZ.

The eThekwini head of Parks, Recreation and Culture, Thembinkosi Ngcobo, said he had approached the popular group to be part of the Durban mass choir to provide backing for Zuma, but the group went further, offering its recording studio to be used for the project.

Zuma will be using the group’s studio to record, and the project is set to start in April, costing in the region of R25 million. It also won’t be the only album that Zuma appears on this year.

ANC national executive committee member Fikile Mbalula has welcomed the idea. He said Zuma would also feature prominently on a separate ANC album to be recorded on Friday.

“I think the JZ (Jacob Zuma) album will be fireworks as he will be singing the Umhlaba Wethu (our land) song.”

You’ve got to hand it to the ANC. They’re pretty creative when it comes to ‘redirecting’ taxpayers’ money.

[source:iol]