Today (March 17), Major Lazer and South African Amapiano duo Major League DJz announced their joint album Piano Republik.
This project, which is set to showcase the international expansion of Amapiano from South Africa’s deeply rooted dance music culture, will be released on Friday, March 24. It will feature Ty Dolla $ign, Afrobeats stars Tiwa Savage and Joeboy and South African talents DJ Maphorisa, Tyla, LuuDaDeejay, Msaki, Gaba Cannal, Russell Zuma and Brenda Fassie.
This will be the first album in three years from Major Lazer, the trio which consist of Diplo, Walshy Fire and Ape Drums. Their new single “Mamgobhozi,” which will be the sixth track off the album was also released today. Featuring vocals from the late South African legend Brenda Fassie, the track samples her 1997 single “Vuli Ndlela,” one of the country’s most celebrated hits.
“Brenda Fassie was not only an icon but she inspired many black South Africans to be their authentic selves,” Major League DJz said in statement. “Her music catalog brought joy to the many South Africans that filled stadiums to see her perform and is a true reflection of South African history.”
The twin brothers Bandile and Banele Mbere continued, “‘Vuli Ndlela’ is undoubtedly one of Brenda Fassie’s best bodies of work, holding the title of ‘Song of the Decade’ and a song we heard playing at every South African wedding and home then and now. It embodies the township sound of the late 90s, a true anthem as it celebrates a mother’s joy as her son gets married. Brenda Fassie knew how to narrate the African story and her music catalog speaks for her long after she has left us a true force.”