There is not a question in anybody’s mind concerning the veracity of Mr. JazziQ’s status as one of South Africa’s finest within the amapiano space. From his work as the former one-half of JazziDisciples alongside Josiah De Disciple to his impact as a solo and lead artist, the Alexandra-born record producer has nothing left to prove, each new release being a victory lap of an already-successful career. The man born Tumelo Manyoni dropped his latest project, titled Coolest in the City, after laying down the carpet for the album’s advent with his hit single “Kataliya”, featuring the likes of Don Deeya, Magwe ZA, Shazz RSA and Thesiix, who also serve as frequent collaborators for the rest of the project.
Mr JazziQ | SUPPLIED
With a humble eleven songs and a playback time of a little over an hour, JazziQ’s Coolest in the City is a classic amapiano opus which sits comfortably on the private side of the sound’s broad spectrum. With languid piano loops, understated basslines, and mid-tempo speed, Manyoni’s album is an experience well curated for those with an eardrum that holds a fond bias for deep house sounds that once dominated the scene in the 2000s and the early phases of the 2010s. The panelling of the production is consistent through the songs, and where there are vacuums lacking vocalists, such as on the opening song, “Nostalgia”, and “BIB Series 001”, the sound master takes his time crafting instrumentals that are kinetic enough and hold the sort of sprightly variety that would’ve made the addition of a vocalist needless musical padding. The quiet intensity of the sound selection and the chilled atmosphere of the album’s build-up make it an album that doesn’t stop at asking people to move but also to deconstruct the music and appreciate the materials it’s made out of.
JazziQ’s guest list, at first glance, gives the impression of safety; it is a roster of familiar names. Thesiix, Don Deeya, Shazz RSA and Magwe RSA made multiple iterations, with Thesiix appearing everywhere except for one song. Instead of homogeneity, however, their faces bring stability to the sounds and the themes explored; in a sense, their presence becomes an anchor which holds the project in place, preventing it from becoming a thematic mess with a scattered scope. There’s not much to listen out for, but Deeya’s energy when he comes in with the vocals is unmistakable, and Shazz’s charm adds a soft but fresh touch that rejuvenates the run of the project.
Check out “Kataliya”:
Coolest in the City is an album with indulgent night-time anthems such as “Utshwala Bayizolo” and “Wozo’bona”, and the foundation of the release is rooted in hedonistic attitudes within the context of Black communities and the desire to live life to the full without worrying about the price tag of the fun. Looked at from that standpoint, Coolest in the City perfectly ensconces itself within the mould of its name.
Whether you’re looking for an excuse to flex your rhythm on the dance floor or a quiet corner to taste all the different layers of the music with the finicky perfectionism of a connoisseur, Coolest in the City is a deep-dish that caters for both ends of amapiano lovers.
Preview Coolest in the City:
