Halfway

Halfway

On her third project, amapiano vocalist Khanyisa strikes a balance between moving songbird and grimy ’piano rapper, taking turns affirming herself (“Nkosazana”), praying (“Ndikwethembile”), and letting go of a lover (“Gyjima”). In the latter, she interpolates Lira’s “Ixesha” in her expressions of disappointment in a person she trusted. The melodies are traded for chants on “Mali Yami” as Khanyisa mews, neighs, and moans in the song’s ad-libs while amapiano vocalist Lady Du laces the beat’s pockets with slick flows in her verse. Kabza De Small and Da Muziqal Chef’s thumping bass and throbbing synths encourage the same approach on the playful closer “Inkukhu.”

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