BFM RECORDS DROPS NEW AMAPIANO EP FEATURING DINHO, K-TRAP, KOJEY RADICAL, LOST GIRL, LUUDADEEJAY, MATHANDOS, MFR SOULS AND NIKO B
Bridges for Music is centred on music and the development of South African talent. From its Academy initiative in Langa just outside the city of Cape Town through to its BFM Records imprint, an opportunity for the Academy Alumni and SA Artists to better reach the world. Nando’s pioneering ‘Mix It Up’ project has returned for 2023. Bringing together some of the best UK and South African music talent on one Magical EP, a celebration of music culture and collaboration, delivering the soundtrack to the summer.
Now out, the ‘Mix It Up Vol. 2’ EP pairs four fresh talents from the UK; K-Trap, Kojey Radical, Lost Girl and Niko B,with four amapiano producers; MFR Souls, Mathandos, LuuDaDeejay and Dinho and one vocalist, Makhanj from South Africa, to showcase a unique fusion of cultures and musical styles. The result is a menu of tracks that see the infectious rhythms of amapiano meet the mesmerizing lyricism of the UK Drill, RnB, Hip Hop and Rap scenes.
With talent hand-picked by Bridges For Music, and expertise input from the genre globalisers Major League DJz, the EP is a true celebration of one of the biggest cultural movements to come out of South Africa and a genre that is rapidly gaining traction across the globe, amapiano. Listen out for the distinctive sounds of the rolling log drum, pitched-up piano melodies, and slow tempo synonymous with the South African sound, not to mention production from the likes of amapiano originators MFR Souls.
Recorded across the Nando’s sponsored Flame Studios inside Con Hill and Nando’s Soho recording studio in London. Artists were able to write and record their tracks, whilst being inspired by the collaboration process and music influence of the different continents.
The EP is the second to come from Nando's ‘Mix It Up’ project which launched in 2022 (check out last year’s EP featuring BERWYN, Bru-C, Mira May and M1llionz, HERE) in partnership with non-profit, South Africa-based organisation Bridges For Music who aim to empower under-served communities in South Africa through creative education and the power of music. Set up to celebrate Nando’s South African heritage and platform for emerging music talent in the Bridges For Music network, ‘Mix It Up’ shines a light on the incredible sounds coming out of the South African and UK music scenes, whilst driving Nando’s broader initiative to change lives through its connection and influence within music in the UK and SA.
The Nando’s ‘Mix It Up Vol. 2’ EP is OUT NOW – tracks are available to listen to on Spotify and all other DSPs now. To find out more follow @BridgesforMusic and @BFMrecords
Connect with MFR Souls:
Facebook: @mfrsouls
Twitter: @mfr_souls
Instagram: @realmfrsouls
Mix It Up Vol. 2 EP Track List:
"Double Tap" - K-Trap, Mathandos
"Double Tap" is a ride. A fusion of UK drill with the exhilaration of Mathandos' gritty bass heavy Amapiano beats. K-Trap's razor-sharp verses dovetail perfectly with Mathandos' pulsating production, to synchronise their vocal and drum rhythm into a hypnotic Drill/Piano masterpiece.
"Sacrifice" - MFR Souls, Kojey Radical, Chrissy Day
"Sacrifice" is its own sonic universe. The striking blend of Amapiano originators MFR Souls with Kojey Radical's powerful storytelling, and soul-stirring vocals by Chrissy Day creates a memorable track that resonates with the heart, soul and dancefloor.
"Deh Deh" - Lost Girl, LuuDaDeejay, Makhanj
The infectious "Deh Deh" brings Lost Girl's irresistible vocal charm to LuuDaDeejay's melodic log drumbeats with Makhanj adding a vibrant Amapiano vocal groove. The result is a track bursting with energy, something that feels simultaneously familiar and excitingly new.
"Vintage Golf" - Niko B, Dinho, Makhanj
"Vintage Golf" takes us on adventure with Niko B's eccentric lyricism blended seamlessly with Makhanj's silky vocals, all floating over Dinho's dynamic Amapiano beats. A track that's as unpredictable as it is compelling. A homage to the mixing of music cultures and influence, and the magic of serendipity, this tune is charming from start to finish.
About BFM Records
BFM Records is the label launched by NPO Bridges for Music to create a bridge between African talent and the world. A place for cross-cultural collaboration forging a global music community.
BFM Records operates independently with all proceeds going to the NPO, helping to grow its education projects and the construction of new creative schools in under-served communities.
About Bridges for Music
Bridges for Music is a non-profit organisation empowering communities and individuals through creative education and the power of music. In 2019, they opened The Bridges Academy, a creative learning space in the heart of Langa township, offering young talent an inspiring and safe environment with world-class technology, mentorship and programs designed to help them thrive in the creative industries equipping them with the necessary technical skills and mindset to obtain employment or become creative entrepreneurs. Their program has already been endorsed by the likes of Ed Sheeran, Zolani Mahola and Sho Madjozi. They have already supported hundreds of aspiring artists, connecting them with life changing opportunities.
