On February 24, the posthumous album Mass Country by South African rapper AKA was available on the top streaming services. The album, which took two years to complete, includes joint efforts with several different musicians, including longtime collaborator Khuli Chana, KDDO, Nasty C, Sjava, 031Choppa, S.O.N, Yanga Chief, Manana, Musa Keys, Gyakie, Blxckie, Laylizzy, Weathrd, Nadia Nakai, and Emtee.
Mass Country released two weeks after the terrible loss of AKA on February 10. In a violent attack at a restaurant in Durban, South Africa, AKA was reportedly shot and murdered.
Fans and musicians in the South African hip-hop scene have reacted to the album in different ways; some have praised the late rapper’s talent, while others have shown emotion at its release. The album is being discussed widely on social media, with the hashtag #MassCountry fast becoming popular on Twitter.
Music critics have given Mass Country favorable reviews despite the conflicting responses, praising AKA’s distinctive fusion of pop, hip-hop, and South African sounds. With outstanding songs like the reflective “Last Time,” the melodic “Dangerous,” and the bouncy “Prada,” the album demonstrates AKA’s artistic talent.
The record’s release has also been received with a flood of encouragement from AKA’s friends, family, and other musicians. Many people have conveyed their admiration for AKA and his music while also lamenting that he did not live to see his album debut.
The manager and co-executive producer of Mass Country, Nhlanhla Nivo Ndimande, revealed that AKA had poured his heart and soul into the album in a media interview. He threw his entire being into it, and Ndimande stated, “We were happy that Kiernan [AKA] got the chance to lay out this entire rollout and approve all the parts, so what would come out will be in line with his direction and his vision.”
[WATCH] : Nadia Nakai talks about collaborating with@akaworldwide on #MassCountry and fun moments together. pic.twitter.com/DveOcicvAk
— MSAKAZI (@MPUMIMLAMBO_) February 24, 2023
Mass Country, a monument to AKA’s extraordinary ability and commitment to his art, will continue his legacy in the South African music industry despite his untimely demise.
Although AKA’s demise is hurtful, it is heartwarming to see some of his competitors and peers in the South African hip-hop scene expressing love and support for his legacy and body of work.
Cassper Nyovest’s enthusiastic response to AKA’s Mass Country album release demonstrates an opportunity for development and peace in the sector. It’s also encouraging to see Cassper honor AKA’s family and reveal that fans and the media blew their dispute out of control.
Nadia Nakai’s comments on working with AKA on the album show a beautiful and intimate side to their creative process. It’s evident that AKA put a lot of effort into the project, and it’s excellent that his vision and direction for the album are honored and released to the public.
It’s clear that AKA significantly impacted the South African music industry, and his fans and colleagues will continue to support and remember him through his music.
Tracklist
- AKA – Last Time
- AKA – Mbuzi Freestyle ft. Thato Saul
- AKA – Crown ft. Emtee & Manana
- AKA – Lemons (Lemonade) ft. Nasty C
- AKA – Prada ft. Khuli Chana
- AKA – Sponono ft. Sjava, 031Choppa & S.O.N
- AKA – Company ft. KDDO
- AKA – Paradise ft. Musa Keys & Gyakie
- AKA – Ease ft. Blxckie & Yanga Chief
- AKA – Amapiano ft. Laylizzy & Weathrd
- AKA – Dangerous ft. Blxckie & Nadia Nakai
- AKA – Everest
- AKA – Diary (Anxiety)
- AKA – Army (Bonus)
File removed on 20th September, 2023. Click for new music
