Multi-award-winning singer Aymos, the voice behind some of South Africa’s biggest hits, has released his highly anticipated new album Impilo, out via Platoon, and it’s an immersive collection of two year’s worth of music.
With ethereal tones of amapiano, neo-soul and electronic jazz, Impilo is a powerfully melodic offering, where Aymos boasts his crooning vocal skills and his great aptitude for genre-mixing.
There are tinges of lounge, house and even the subtle touch of hip-hop every now and again, making for a full-length album that’s greatest strength is its cohesive versatility. Seldom do artists achieve such diverse range whilst simultaneously staying true to their core sound, something Aymos has done with effortless style.
Opener “San’bonani” is a seven-minute epic that sets the tone for what’s to follow, featuring Tee Jay, T-Man SA and PlayNevig. With the soaring qualities of excellent Afro-house production, there couldn’t be a better introduction to Aymos’ intrepid artistry.
“Esgela” follows with real depth – a kind of melancholic amapiano that is richly textured by harmony and rhythm. It’s a brilliant track, featuring the immense talents of Eemoh and Kabza De Small.
In fact, most of Impilo is informed by collaboration, featuring the likes of Mas Musiq, Samthing Soweto, Cassper Nyovest, Nkosazana Daughter and Nomfundo Moh. Reflecting on the writing process, Aymos explains, “It feels like yesterday that I dreamt of being an artist and collaborating with everyone who has guided me in my career.”
“The concept for Impilo comes from capturing my life, my journey through childhood, family life and work,” he continues. A kind of career-spanning record, there are tracks here that reflect nostalgically on the earliest of Aymos’ proclivities as a songwriter.
“Amabhoza” featuring Mas Musiq and MaWhoo is a euphoric, wave-riding high, enhanced by ballad-like vocal layering and warm synth undertones. This is amapiano at its most intimate, its most cathartic, and quite frankly there’s no one else who does it better.
In a landscape now dominated by amapiano, Impilo is not just another attempt at the trend. Not at all. Aymos is leading the way, a trailblazer in his field, and he’s leaving everyone else in the dust.
