Meet Mrngw, a producer, vocalist and abstract artist from Pretoria who brings a unique artistic voice rooted in nostalgia and culture.
Drawing inspiration from late ’90s and early 2000s South African jazz and kwaito, Mrngw creates a sound that feels like home. With an artistry that bridges music and visual expression, he debuted his abstract art at the 2022 FNB Art Fair.
Now, he’s turning his attention to music, with his debut album Great Things Take Time. Inspired by hip-hop, R&B, jazz and house, this offering is a sonic journey meant to uplift and empower listeners. Each track is carefully designed to be a companion for those in pursuit of their dreams, echoing the album’s title, that reminds us of the value of patience and perseverance.
Opener “Ke Badimo” is sultry and inviting, with high-life tinges of deep house and lounge beats, followed by the Prince-esque keys of “Run X”.
His sound brings to mind Desire Marea at times, FKJ and Tom Misch at other times, pairing jazzy interludes with bold Afro-House sensibilities.
Closer “Modimo” is soothing in all the right ways, ending things on a comfortably euphoric note, and while Mrngw’s debut may lack some sense of distinct artistry, it’s certainly a well-crafted first offering.
With just a little more experimentation, and perhaps a spirit of innovation, Mrngw will grow into a formidable talent.
