Impumelelo

's 2021 debut, , was a rough, homegrown take on the South African dance style known as amapiano, exploring stranger sounds than some of the producer's more pop-minded peers. , Zulu for "success," is the artist's second full-length, and it immediately feels like a grand leap forward. Maintaining the midtempo BPMs and syncopated, shaker-heavy beats of the amapiano sound, balances steady grooves with ear-catching sonics, particularly the style's trademark log drum basslines, which he often contorts into sharp, dazzling formations. Compared to , is heavier on vocals and more hook-based, and it's a more memorable effort overall. "Bo Mbali Leboh Palesa," which spotlights 's swift, melodic rapping, is a clear highlight. Mellower tunes like "Dlozi Lam" and "Lepiano" precede more tense selections such as "Mekete" and "Mjolo." "Oskido" incorporates jazzy vibraphones, and the marvelous "Qhude" comes closer to a disco shuffle, setting the pace for stunning vocal performances by and . It's been fascinating to witness the organic evolution of such a distinctive sound, and is one of amapiano's strongest releases yet. ~ Paul Simpson