by @mdakadash
Mambisa’s very own Mas Musiq, government name, Thabo Ngubane, has blessed us yet again with an AmaPiano musical masterpiece!
The AmaPiano producer and DJ continues to solidify his place in the game with his signature soulful sound. And let me tell you, this guy is cruising in his own lane. Quite literally, because his latest album is titled “Lane Yam“, which translates to “My Lane.” Fitting, because no one is riding the AmaPiano wave quite like him. iAuti eSharp is truly in his own lane, delivering fire tracks back-to-back with his signature amapiano flavour.
Released on Friday the 13th of September 2024, the 19-track album comes to us courtesy of SONY Music Entertainment Africa under exclusive license from DJ Maphorisa’s New Money Gang. That’s a mouthful, but trust me, the music goes down easy!
Mas Musiq: The Album Factory
Let’s just take a second to acknowledge that Mas Musiq is on album number FIVE now. The man doesn’t miss! Previously, he’s given us gems like Mambisa, Mambisa II, Auti ‘eSharp, and NINI na NINI. And if you ask me (which you totally should), Lane Yam is another 5-star album. That’s five albums, five out of five stars, people! Simple maths.
The man also knows how to stack an album full of talent. The vocalist lineup on Lane Yam? Star-studded! Aymos, Daliwonga, Mawhoo, Nia Pearl, Mlindo The Vocalist, Musa Keyz, and Nhlanhla Dube—this album is basically a red carpet of AmaPiano royalty.
Let’s break it down track by track. Well… maybe not all 19 tracks. Anginaskhathi saloko (ain’t nobody got time for that), so here are some of the standouts.
Track-by-Track Breakdown (Kind Of)
1. LANE YAM ft. Nia Pearl, Aymos, Musa Keyz (4/5)
This is how you start an album. The title track Lane Yam sets the tone with that AmaPiano magic we’ve come to expect from Mas Musiq. With Nia Pearl, Aymos, and Musa Keys on vocals, it’s basically an AmaPiano Avengers lineup. I mean, let’s meet at OR Tambo International Airport for real because this track is taking off! Contender for song of the year. Or too early?
2. Uzobuya ft. Acatears, Lawd Weezy (4/5)
This track has production so clean you could eat off it. It’s smooth, it’s vibey, and it sets you up for the rest of the album. Mas Musiq is a wizard in the studio. The attention to detail is evident, making you appreciate the artistry and effort behind every track.
3. Ubuhle Bakho – Acatears & DJ Maphorisa ft. Thuli P (4/5)
Ah, this one’s a personal fave! DJ Maphorisa hops on this track with his boo Thuli P, who—I’ll be honest—can’t really sing. Oh wait? Is that her on the vocals? Dunno. But hey, when your man is a big-time producer like Phorry, anything is possible! The song works thanks to Mas Musiq and Maphorisa pulling all the stops in the production. The keys and chords? Sheer perfection. It’s got that smooth romantic vibe that’ll have you slow-dancing in your living room, even if you’re alone
4. Amalanga Awafani (1/5)
Oh boy, this one is controversial and has the country divided. If you’ve been following the saga between DJ Maphorisa and Samthing Soweto, you’ll know that Amalanga Awafani has gone through more changes than a baby’s diaper. First, it had Samthing Soweto’s vocals, but after some beef (and 20k viewed Instagram Lives where grown men nearly cried), his verse got cut. Kabza De Small was brought in to remove any sign of Samthing Soweto and up and coming Chley was added, but let’s be honest, the original version was fire. The current version? Not so much. Harde.
6. Jikeleza – DJ Maphorisa & Kabza De Small ft. Nia Pearl, Mawhoo (4/5)
This one’s all about karma, baby! “Liya jikeleza ivili“, what goes around comes around. A solid message wrapped in killer beats. Mas Musiq taps the usual suspects—Maphorisa and Kabza—and they deliver the goods. But can we talk about Mawhoo for a second? Not only is she a stunner, but she’s got a voice! Sis is proving she’s more than just a pretty face with a banging body – she’s bringing real talent to the table.
8. Phanisha with Daliwonga (3/5)
Daliwonga and Mas Musiq together is like pap and wors—always a great combo! The only combo better is the Mas Musiq and Aymos combo which is more like uphuthu and inyama yenhloko. The log drum on this track is hard, and ladies’ man Daliwonga delivers the melodies we expect. It’s a nice track but doesn’t quite reach the heights of Gangam Style from nou di last.
10. Ngi Moja – Nia Pearl ft. Aymos (4/5)
Remember what I said about the Mas Musiq and Aymos combo? This is another track that proves my point. Add Nia Pearl in the mix, and you’ve got a cheat code for a hit. Ereng log drum!? Sounds like straight out of MDU aka TRP’s backroom. This one has that groovy heartbreak vibe like Seng’zwile. Dope track!
11. Mali Ye Phepha ft. Nhlanhla Dube, Mlindo The Vocalist (3.5/5)
Lowkey, this feels like a diss at Samthing Soweto LOL. Rumor has it, Sam wants all the masters, and this track talks about greed. Mas Musiq spilling that tea! Okay track. Great to hear Mlindo on the vocals. Underrated talent.
12. Amanxeba ft. Daliwonga (5/5)
This one almost made me shed a tear. It’s one of those spiritual tracks that just lifts your soul when you’re going through it. As Grootman said: Daliwonga took Samthing Soweto’s style, made it his own, and ran with it. Definitely one of my favourites—spiritual like Kabza’s sphandla was guiding them in the studio.
14. Adrenaline ft. Mukundi and Major League DJs (3.5/5)
Mas Musiq taps into that international sound on this one. English lyrics, Major League DJs, and Mukundi—this track could easily play on a global stage. Istanbul, get ready! It has the same vibe as Yes Sir (18) with Mukundi also on this album. AmaPiano to the world!
19. Groovy – Oscar Mbo ft. Lawd Weezy, KJM-Cornetist, Corry Da Groove (4/5)
Now THIS is how you close an album! Closing the album with a house vibe—pure class! This isn’t your typical AmaPiano track. It feels old-school, and I’m here for it. Mas enlists the one and only Oscar Mbo pronounced mbeeyo LOL. Definitely something you would hear in a Vinni Da Vinci set.
Manje The Verdict?
Look, Mas Musiq can do no wrong in my book. Lane Yam is another stellar addition to his discography, and the guy keeps pushing the AmaPiano sound forward. Sure, a couple of tracks didn’t hit like they should’ve (I’m looking at you, Amalanga Awafani), but overall, it’s a great album to vibe to, and it’s definitely going to be on repeat for a while.
If you haven’t listened yet, what are you waiting for? Go stream Lane Yam and get yourself into Mas Musiq’s Lane—it’s the only lane that matters right now! I give it a solid 4!
Stream, Download and Listen to Lane Yam here: masmusiq.lnk.to/laneyami
