South African music duo Mellow & Sleazy collaborates with vocalist and amapiano front man Tman Xpress to release a joint project, Midnight in Diepkloof—a 10-track album synonymous with late-night Jo’burg: smooth, gritty, rhythmic, unpredictable—and unmistakably local.

The opening track, Welele, featuring CowBoii, pulls listeners into that familiar Bacardi swing—dark basslines, hypnotic drums, and catchy vocal chops that Mellow & Sleazy are known for. Welele opens the gate, but the second track, Marikana, featuring Lowbass Djy, keeps things moving with deeper textures and a haunting aura that keeps you engaged.

The third track, Ibhanoyi, is the album's standout. It has already racked up over 250,000 streams on Spotify, and it’s easy to see why. CowBoii, LastbornDiroba, and Thebuu float effortlessly on the beat. It’s the kind of track that makes you just vibe and nod your head all the way on a long drive.

Umona, an entry by just Mellow & Sleazy and Tman Express takes the baton right after, without warning. And before you even realize it, Babakelele comes in. That transition is so seamless you might miss the track switch if you blink. LeeMcKrazy’s energy here is solid and perfectly aligned with the percussive-heavy groove that Mellow & Sleazy cooked up.

Yi Mina Loyo brings in a more loaded lineup with LeeMcKrazy, Thatohatsi, Tracy, and Shino Kikai. It’s the kind of feature that everyone has to bring their best to match the other's energy. Every input brings a new dynamic, but the beat stays consistent, grounding everything in that midnight Diepkloof vibe.

The seventh track Dalwa Zami, featuring Ndibo Ndibs, slows it down just a bit, with the piano chords taking more limelight. It gets back into motion with Mitta Mitta, a laidback amapiano classic. Not too aggressive but just enough to get the heads nodding in sync.

The ninth track, Mele Kufe Bani featuring Lowbass Djy, feels like a laidback barcadi jam with prominent percussion mastery. There’s something about the layering of the drums and synths here that makes it perfect for a late-night lounge chill with your crew.

Closing things off is Yisimo Sam, with Sinny Man’Que and Springle. It’s a proper close to the project—deep, soulful, and steady/consistent. This clearly reminds listeners why Mellow & Sleazy are still at the forefront of the amapiano movements, meticulously easing you out of what has been a fascinating ride like it’s the last drink of the night.

With over an hour of pure classics, Midnight in Diepkloof stands as a true example of amapiano at its most curated—where Soweto meets Pretoria, exuding insane chemistry between the collaborating artists.

PERFORMERS: Mellow & Sleazy, CowBoii, Tman Express, Lowbass Djy, LastBornDiroba, Thebuu, LeeMcKrazy, Shino Kikai, Thatohatsi, Tracy, Ndibo Ndibs, Sinny Man’Que, Springle

SONGWRITERS: Sibusiso Mokone, Tsiliso Tokoloho Molokoli, Linda Mnisi, Lethiwe Sibiya, Thato Raphadi, Mbulelo Radebe, Sihle Nkosi

PRODUCERS: Phemelo Given Sefanyetso, Olebogeng Gift Kwanaite, Ntateko Shihambi, Lungelo Mashinini, Ndivho Manngo, Sihle Nkosi

South African music duo Mellow & Sleazy collaborates with amapiano front man Tman Xpress to release a joint project titled, Midnight in Diepkloof.

MIDNIGHT IN DIEPKLOOF - Album by MELLOW and SLEAZY x TMAN EXPRESS

South African music duo Mellow & Sleazy collaborates with amapiano front man Tman Xpress to release a joint project titled, Midnight in Diepkloof.

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