Kay Faith has teamed up with Durban-based rapper Mac 11 to celebrate their deep-rooted love of kwaito with a new single called “Bayasazi” out today.
“This song is my tribute to kwaito’s legacy,” Faith says. “Sampling Doc Shebeleza, I wanted to capture the genre’s timeless energy, and Mac 11’s electrifying performance amplifies the track’s essence.”
Known for his gritty Durban style, Mac 11 brings an authentic vocal edge. With projects like Durban Poison, Mac 11 has earned his place as a voice for Durban’s street culture, and continues to shape the city’s music scene under the guidance of Savage Street Recordings.
But it’s the indomitable spirit of Kay Fatih that makes “Bayasazi” an instant classic. Her production skills are next level, making for a nostalgic yet stunningly contemporary arrangement.
Kwaito has never sounded quite so modern, colliding with subtle tones of electronic synth, Afro-house and, surprisingly, a kind of American boom-bap East-Coast soul.
“Bayasazi” is playful and it’s bold, but it’s also filled with a deep, deep respect for a genre that has shaped so many South African musicians. Kwaito will never die, so long as there are artists like Kay Faith and Mac 11 around.
