The much-anticipated album from one of the area’s finest pop bands is finally out. Cornerstone's new offer is titled Tshanduko/Changes.

This group from the heartland of Venda has been mesmerizing music lovers since 2008, after the release of their first full-length album. “Thanduko is our third studio album,” said lead vocalist Ngerezah.

The sleeve is simple, with very effective designs and a record-setting feel which makes the listening of the songs enjoyable and refreshing. “Tshanduko/Changes is a new genre breed which we call stone music,” continued Ngerezah. “It is a run between western pop and a soul reggae sound, yet very unique.”

For this album, Cornerstone worked with well-known artists like Hani Mutele, Khakhathi “Muhuweleli” Tshisikule, Khathu Nemapate, Charlie Sinyosi, Rudzani and Archie.

“The whole project was like a survival camp,” said the group. “At times we worked under pressure and even argued and cracked lots of jokes. All was for the best quality we can possibly deliver.”

Cornerstone maintains that working with many artists has a positive benefit for host artists, when every artist gives their best for the achievement of quality material. “It wasn’t eas. The camp was full of musical vipers and venomous young ones who pushed everyone to the edge,” said Ngerezah. “I so love this chapter”.

The musicians have received praise and acknowledgement from across the country. One notable appraisal came from PhalaPhala FM's Jimmy the Scratcher, who said that Tshanduko contained “world-class material [which creates a] defining moment of a new era in the local music scenario taking over the world”.

The album was produced by Mulalo Mukwevho at the Burning Shack studios. It contains 12 tracks such as Tshanduko, Music and Thusani. “We are doing some charity shows and commercial events this December,” said Ngerezah.

“The train on the cover of our CD represents motion and I believe that’s what we want to do this time around,” said fellow musician Avha “AJ” Tshisevhe.

Cornerstone will be performing alongside Hip-Hop Pantsula at the Khoroni Hotel on 21 December.