Kbrizzy and Phanas drop album, garner rare reviews abroad

Mthabisi Tshuma – [email protected]

Talented rapper Kbrizzy and South African-based producer Phanas have unveiled a 14-track hip-hop album with subtle blends of kwaito, Afro-pop, and trap.

Titled “WWNBL” (When We’re Not Being Lazy), the album features an impressively diverse line-up of guest artistes, including South African producers Dopebwoi & FKA Moses, Namibian award-winning rapper Lioness, US-based songstress JoyRukanza, and Nkayi’s favourite, Skhosana Buhlungu. Other collaborators include Mefi, Vic Jita, Oblivy, Pek, Rockie Doub, Asaph, Silolamkhonto, Teecy, Ganyaz JR, and J Dumza.

Track titles include “A King’s Poem”, “Mana Kamalume”, “Ngaphandle” featuring Oblivy, “What a Mess”, “Mad at Me” featuring Dopebwoi and Vic Jita, “Mamela” featuring Lioness, “Intaba Ezikude” featuring Murphy Cubic and Skhosana Buhlungu, “Rubies and Diamonds” featuring JoyRukanza, “Nkosi Sikelela” featuring FKA Moses, “The Guala” featuring Pek, “DaVinci Drive” featuring Murphy Cubic, “Presidential Suite,” “Sixteen Vardy,” and “Hayi Kabi” featuring Vic Jita, Rockie Doub, Silolamkhonto, Asaph, Teecy, J Dumza, and Ganyaz Jr.
The album’s theme revolves around crafting a brand of hip-hop music that withstands the test of time – a mature, timeless sound.

Kbrizzy stressed the idea that “legacy is a marathon”, a sentiment echoed in the already-released single “Rubies and Diamonds” featuring JoyRukanza, marking his return to the music scene after a noticeable two to three-year hiatus.

The album has already released three singles: “Ngaphandle”, “Rubies and Diamonds” and “Sixteen Vardy” with the 2020 hit “Hayi Kabi” included as a bonus track.

“Mamela”, featuring Namibia’s award-winning femcee Lioness, has garnered significant acclaim, ranking 6th on Hype Magazine South Africa’s list of best releases between June 26 and July 5.

Also receiving high praise is “Intaba Ezikude” featuring local sensation Skhosana Buhlungu—a fusion of Maskandi and hip-hop, creating a timeless traditional wedding song.

Reflecting on the album’s early success, Kbrizzy remarked: “It was honestly unbelievable to see those rankings just six hours after the album dropped, showing how closely publications like Hype are following Bulawayo Hip Hop.” – @mthabisi_mthire

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