Reprise on 2nd Avenue

Having made a name for himself in the hip-hop trio Johnny Cradle, this latest release shows Qü venturing forward as a solo artist. Born Sakumzi Qumana in the Mdantsane township of South Africa’s Eastern Cape, Qü’s music draws from a rich variety of influences: infectious reggae, slick hip-hop beats and the lyricism of alternative R&B. It also cycles through a variety of moods. ‘Self Sabotage’ and ‘Never Settle Down’ display Qü at his swaggering best and feature jazzy piano samples, funky basslines and catchy vocal hooks. ‘Womanizer’ is propelled by a Latin-tinged beat and some tasteful piano improvisation. Other tracks showcase Qü’s strong lyrical abilities: ‘Bad News Bulletin’ and ‘Keep the Fire Burning’ explore poignant socio-political themes, while ‘Amandla’ is a heartfelt ballad about his daughter.