On their debut collaborative project "Hakuna Mathata" Album, South African producers Ice Beats Slide and Sbuda Maleather showcase their signature styles of electronic house and dance music.
The 9-track album has a cohesive retro-inspired vibe, sampling classic kwaito and R&B vocals over vibrant beats that are perfect for dancing. Songs like "Feel Good" and "Soka Loko" bring to mind parties in Soweto during the '90s kwaito era.
Ice Slide and Sbuda effortlessly blend genres, from house tracks like "Tropic" to the UK garage-influenced "Kusasa." They also incorporate African styles nicely, like the amapiano-flavored "Way Down" featuring Malome Vector.
Production is crisp and colorful throughout, brimming with energy to keep listeners engaged from start to finish. Synths and percussion loops are creatively programmed to strike that perfect balance between edge and melody.
"Hakuna Mathata" is a shining example of how South African electronic musicians are putting the iconic kwaito and amapiano scenes on an international map. It pays homage to the genres' rich history while propelling them into the future - sure to earn fans worldwide.
This debut collaboration from Ice Beats Slide and Sbuda Maleather captures the joyful spirit of jollying with an infectious celebration of sounds from Mzansi.