Cava the combos, Mzansi. Drumsticks and log drums – South Africa and the UK – Amapiano and Drill Music. Nando’s is back with the second volume of its “Extra Hot PERi-PERi Mix It Up” EP, and this time they’re really bringing more heat. The EP features a collaboration between four of South Africa’s fiery Amapiano artists – MFR Souls, Mathandos, LuuDaDeejay and Dinho and a vocalist, Makhanj – and four of the UK’s biggest Drill artists – K-Trap, Kojey Radical, Lost Girl and Niko B.
Dropping on 01 August, the ‘Mix It Up Vol. 2’ showcases a unique fusion of cultures and musical styles. The result is a menu of tracks that sees the infectious rhythms of Amapiano meeting the mesmerising lyricism of the UK Drill, RnB, Hip Hop and Rap scenes.
Sonically, the two base genres are not too far apart, both expressing creativity born out of their environments and a particular set of similar experiences north and south of the Atlantic. Amapiano and Drill are two of the most exciting genres of music to emerge in recent years, both characterised by their driving beats and raw, emotional lyrics. But, while Amapiano is known for its smooth, melodic sound, Drill has a more hard-hitting, aggressive sound.
The confluence of these two genres is creating an exciting new sound that is both familiar and innovative. The result is music that is both danceable and introspective, soulful, and gritty. It’s a sound that is perfectly suited to the times we live in and will surely continue to evolve and grow in popularity in the years to come.
The ultimate embodiment of Nando’s belief that ‘Life’s Better When You Mix It Up’, the EP was produced between Flame Studios in Johannesburg 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 musical influence of the two different continents.
The EP is the second to come from Nando’s ‘Mix It Up’ project that launched in 2022. It is part of the partnership with the non-profit, locally based organisation Bridges for Music, which aims to empower under-served communities across South Africa through creative education and the power of music.
As part of this ground-breaking initiative, The Bridges Academy opened its doors in 2019 as a vibrant creative learning space in the heart of Langa township. It offers young talent an inspiring and safe environment with world-class technology and mentorship programmes designed to help them thrive in the creative industries. Through its annual bursary programme, Nando’s is contributing to the success of The Bridges Academy by supporting aspiring artists and connecting them with life-changing opportunities.
Set up to celebrate Nando’s South African heritage and as a platform for emerging music talent in the Bridges for Musicnetwork, ‘Mix It Up’ shines a light on the incredible sounds coming out of both 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.
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.
