Two years since the release of his critically acclaimed EP Liminal Sketches, Langa Mavuso graces us with his highly anticipated full-length project LANGA. Glowing in exquisite harmony, soul-wrenching vocals and contemporary spirit, this is a record you need to get on. Now.
I think what makes Mavuso’s music so loveable is the authenticity of it – LANGA is beautifully vulnerable from the very beginning. “Intliziyo” (feat. Loyiso) reflects on the pain and upset caused by losing love, offering a vocal-heavy composition that really couldn’t be any better, while “Mvula” and “Searching” continue to centre Mavuso’s liquid-love voice. But be forewarned, they’re real tearjerkers too.
The album comes on the back of two already well received singles this year, produced in collaboration with FARR’s Linden Jay and Noble (Beyoncé’s The Lion King: The Gift), and has already charted on the iTunes Top 100, as well as at #3 on the iTunes R&B/Soul Chart. Makes sense why Deezer named him their NEXT Artist of 2020 – the only South African artist to feature on the list.
Other standout tracks on the record include the rhythmic musings of “Panther” (feat Yanga Chief), the soft, warm embrace that is “I Wish” (feat. Manana, Zoe Modiga) and album closer “Love Lost”, bringing things to a joyous end. Honestly, Langa Mavuso really is in a league of his own, boasting a spirit for contemporary soul and traditional songwriting that will likely never leave him.
