South African DJ-producer and Amapiano pioneer Mduduzi Mangena, known by his stage name MDU aka TRP, cooks up a sonic feast on The Originator album, a concise seven-track exploration of the thrilling and lively world of amapiano.

The Originator project lives up to its title, showing the genre’s versatility with a range of tempos that keep listeners engaged. It serves as a delight with varied flavors. The album opens with the phenomenal track “Sabela,” setting the mood for a thrilling amapiano journey and an immersive listening experience. MDU aka TRP proves his mastery of the art, weaving deep bass lines and crispy percussion into the sound.

The project offers some versatile landscape moods. Whether cruising at a laid-back pace or a throbbing club/dance-ready intensity, each track feels distinct, tailored to the pulsating feel of amapiano. Even though it’s hard to pick favorites, tracks like “True Story” featuring Mathandos & Nvcho and “Idwedwe” featuring Tracy & DJ Maphorisa showcase dancefloor potential amapiano.

In contrast, tracks like “Martin Luther King” and “Ungowami” offer a more relaxed and in-your-feelings vibe with their remarkable piano tunes and warm log drums.

MDU showcases his versatility as a producer with a keen ear for melody and rhythm. The log drum, ever-present throughout the project, adds a distinctive flavor and bass line that underpins the album’s overall vibe. It is the attention to detail, this signature touch that makes The Originator so intriguing to listen to.

This project has undeniably earned MDU aka TRP the title “The Originator”. In just seven tracks, MDU aka TRP created a body of work that is both cohesive and explorative, which is a difficult balance to nail. The sonic textures of this release are rich and offer a fresh take on amapiano. It is a must-listen for any fan of the genre.

Performers: MDU aka TRP, Thatohatsi, Tracy, Nvcho, Mathandos

Songwriters: Thato Raphadi, Traditional, Thando Madonsela, Unathi Jafta

Producers: Keith Mduduzi Mangena, Lethiwe Sibiya

The album cover for The Originator, a seven-track EP/Album by South African DJ-Producer and Amapiano Pioneer, Mduduzi Mangena, with stage name MDU aka TRP.

MDU aka TRP: The Originator - Album Review - a fresh take on amapiano

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