This year has been a musical year for all genres Hip Hop, House, Afro Pop and more genres.
Even when 2015 was still a massive year , 2016 still managed to be a good year for more artists. We saw new artists on the scene releasing their debut project, this includes Nasty C, A-Reece, Amanda Black and Anatii. Hip Hop still managed to dominate as the most influential genre for radio/tv play , charts and concerts headlines. We have put together Top 10 Albums that we think have been the best for 2016, and this was not an easy task. We’ve put together this list based on influence, popularity, sales and charts domination.
Here is our Top 10 Albums of 2016:
10. Musa Sukwene – Mr Serious
Musa Sukwene popularly known for winning Idols SA Season 9 has just released his second studio album ‘Mr Serious’ earlier this year.
This album is a follow up of his debut project ‘The Dream’ which he released in 2014. Now let’s talk…
‘Mr Serious’ …the album offers a mellow, afro-pop sound from the intro which is a minute-long.
Listening to the entire tracklist you will notice that the album blends soulful and funky pop you can definitely dance to. From intro till track 10 ‘Ntandane’ you still have the soulful rhythm except tracks; Ndilalapho, Serious and Mad in Love which the sound changes to that funky vibey rhythm.
Now our picks from the entire album, songs which we think deserve a spotlight; the obvious Mthande followed by Nomkitha, Phesheya Komlambo, Ndilalapho, Serious and Mad in Love. The album doesn’t have many features only two important we noticed; with Robbie Malinga on the smash tune Mthande and Riky Rick on Serious.
And all in all , Musa did an impressive work on the project and for a year-long with no release this is a massive follow up release since his debut project.
09. Sjava – Isina Muva
Ambitiouz Entertainment’s very own – Sjava released his debut album titled ‘Isina Muva’ which simply means late bloomer.
Featuring 16 tracks; the album began with the build up months back when Sjava released ‘Ekseni’ then followed by ‘Uthando’ as two leading singles. ‘Isina Muva’ features signature sound of Sjava with a fusion of Afro-soul music and hard-hitting drums. His distinct rough and husky voice completes the musical experiences. The album is inspired by Sjava’s long-lived passion for Maskandi music. Complementing the album on production is the talented producer “Ruff”, whom is currently known for creating the award-winning hits for Emtee Da Hustler. Featured artists on the album includes; Saudi and A-Reece.
08. The Soil – ECHOES OF KOFIFI
The award-winning trio, The Soil released their 3rd studio album ‘Echoes of Kofifi’ and probably the most definitive record since their self-titled debut album more than 5 years ago.
The album prompts us not to forget that the people who were forcibly removed from Sophiatown and whose refused to leave behind theirs arts, their heritage, the literary writings, the politics and their cultural defiance, which was deeply embedded in their souls.
Simply presenting their popular authentic Kasi Soul and A cappella sound, the trio continues with their style of music even on this project. Packed with 11-tracks this is must have album if you have been a fan of The Soil from their first project. They bring in versatility with new elements and collaborations with rapper Kwesta and Theo Songstress.
07. Anatii – Artiifact
After the long wait , Anatii finally delivered his much anticipated debut project ‘ARTIIFACT’.
Packed with 17 tracks, this album showcases Anatii’s versatility as a musician and producer with African and International influence that can be heard throughout the Album.
Special collaborations on the album includes Tiwa Savage on a sexy song titled “Proper”; as well as International RnB signer Omarion on the latest single from the album – “Tell Me”.
ARTIIFACT – which was recorded in Johannesburg and Los Angeles, fuses collaboration and contributions with worldwide acknowledged producers and artists such as Taz Arnold who has musically produced for Kendrick Lamar, Ty Dolla Sign and Kanye West; Mika Mean who has written for Kelly Rowland, Usher and Lil Wayne; DJ Maphorisa now popularly known for his work on Drake’s “One Dance” and Uhuru, who keeps taking Africa by storm.
06. Amanda Black – Amazulu
the super talented and sensational – Amanda Black has released her new studio album ‘Amazulu.’
2016 has been a good year for Ambitiouz Entertainment and recording Amanda is an excellent move by the stable. Most will remember her voice from Season 11 of Idols SA, and since then she never looked back into creating her own story and sharing her style of music inspired by Brenda Fassie, Thandiswa Mazwai, Simphiwe Dana.
Amanda paved a way for this project back in June 2016 when she released the leading single ‘Amazulu; which has been a successful release and still is till this day.
The album opens up with ‘Amazulu’ as the intro track, definitely because it’s her signature track and title track. Then paves way into this storytelling afro-pop/R&B filled project which is packed with 14-tracks. The album delivers soulful, laid back and mellow tracks from ‘Kahle’ followed by ‘Uzobuya’ where she talks about a lover who left her heartbroken, ‘Free’ and the acoustic ‘Mna Nawe’ …..just to mention a few. Most of the tracks, lets Amanda sing her soul out talking about love, heartbreak, inner-self and everyday stories which one can relate to.
05. Black Motion – Ya Badimo
Black Motion made 2016 their year with releasing a new project ‘Ya Badimo’.
After announcing their major deal with Sony, the Soshanguve duo are now exposed to the global market. Packed with 13-tracks ‘Ya Badimo’ is their 4th studio album which delivers their authentic sound.
The overall sound of the album carries Black Motion’s signature sound delivering some creative collaborations and adding new elements to make this project so mature and solid. The album includes interesting features; Chymamusique, Nokwazi, Winnie Khumalo, TRESOR, The Mahotella Queens, Simphiwe Dana and the sensational Toshi.
04. Mobi Dixon – Live The Music
This has been a huge year for Mobi Dixon: The East London-born super-producer snagged three South African Music Award nominations, had his City Rains single remixed by Louie Vega and made a massive splash with this album’s debut single Trigger ft. Inga Hina.
Live The Music represents this talented music maker’s skills – his clipped house beats, generous basslines, propulsive percussion and breezily hypnotic chords form the perfect bedrock for an array of vocalists to exercise their song-craft, and there are lyricists galore on this release. Monique Bingham is back on the hook-heavy Mixed Up Chick, while other lesser-knowns shine in the confines of these clever tracks, including Nana Mbawuli, Pomakazi, Berita, Sakhile Moleshe, Bantu Soul and 2Bad.
There are a few extra special inclusions on Live The Music as Mobi applies his rhythmic science to remixes of Mi Casa & Ladysmith Black Mambazo (the memorable My Sugar) and breakout Afro / R&B star Tresor on hit single Never Let Me Go.
03.Kwesta – DaKAR II
As one of the most successful Hip Hop albums for 2016, Kwesta’s ‘DAKARII’ is another masterpiece which has delivered popular jams like Nomayini, Mayibabo, Day One and the street anthem ‘Ngud’. On this album, Kwesta has reached out for collabos with artists like: BUCIE, Riky Rick, Cassper Nyovest, OKmalumkoolkat, Kid X, AKA and more.
02.Nasty C – Bad Hair
‘Bad Hair’ has been long anticipated after Nasty C released major singles from 2015. The album kicks off with an introduction lead by Cassper Nyovest , who reveals that Nasty is an inspiration to him.
Following the entire tracklist, have to applaud the great selection of features from Tshego who laid a sick verse on ‘I Lie’, Tellaman, Erick Rush, Rowlene and Riky Rick with Omari Hardwhick on ‘A star is Born.’ The entire album gives us an open book into Nasty C’s story and genius writing. The entire sound goes soulful with a step into hardcore rap and stiff/mellow beats delivered by a variety of producers from Ganja Beatz, The Gobbla to mention a few.
01. A-Reece – Paradise
Ambitiouz’s very own ; A-Reece made 2016 an interesting year for SA Hip Hop after dropping his much anticipated debut album ‘Paradise’. Packed with 18 tracks, the list includes his lead singles; Couldn’t , Mgani, Sebenza and Zimbali which opened the year with. Major features appearing on the project includes Emtee, P-Jay and ofcourse the sensational singer Amanda Black who did massive justice on her features + writing. The production includes work of Tweezy as mentioned, MashBeatz, WiziBeatz, Ruff and Lunatik.
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