#AlbumPick - Azanian

Album Overview: Lunga SA, born and bred in Mokopane and now based in Johannesburg, presents “Azanian,” his first full-length album released under Selville Records. This ambitious and deviously entertaining record defies the conventions of contemporary house music. At any given moment, “Azanian” feels like it could have been recorded at a kwaito pup somewhere in Soweto during the '90s, yet it also incorporates deep techy synths from 2020.

Track Highlights:

• “Outta’ Sync”: A deep house track that grooves with infectious rhythms.

• “Beauteous Sandra”: A melodic journey through Lunga’s synth-driven soundscape.

• “Where It All Began”: A nostalgic nod to Kwaito, transporting listeners back to the '90s.

• “PUSH Comes To Shove”: A collaboration with Dr. Duda, blending deep house vibes.

Artistic Exploration: Lunga SA refines, expands, updates, and scrambles house, synths, and kwaito elements throughout the album. He plays with sounds he created himself, from drums to fat synth melodies. The result is a playful and captivating listen that bridges the past and present, inviting listeners to dance and reminisce simultaneously.

Collaborations: Lunga enlisted talented vocalists like Mthandazo Gatya, Muhulu Rakhivhane, Nicky Deep, and OKAY GOD, setting the mood with a harmonic intro. Dr. Duda, a pioneer of South African house music, also contributes to the album.

In summary, “Azanian” is a genre-blending masterpiece that defies expectations, celebrating both nostalgia and innovation. Lunga SA’s exploration of sound leaves a lasting impression, making this album a must-listen for electronic music enthusiasts.

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