As the Megacy and the nation at large struggles to heal from the deep wound of losing Aka, the release of his much anticipated posthumous offering is a timely analgesic.
The Mass Country album is worth more than a barrel of gold. Aka’s patriotism is evident in his use of vernacular and beautiful local sounds that resonates with the masses. Some of the best talents in South Africa in Emtee, Nasty C, Khuli Chana, Yanga Chief, Thato Saul and Sjava were all featured to add some sauce to the already hot ‘Chakalaka’, The Braai show host had already prepared.
Well-renowned engineer, Robin Kohl and a stellar team of producers amalgamated to make the timeless songs on the track list, while multi-award winning illustrator and street artist, Karabo ‘Poppy’ Moletsane grabbed the attention of the masses with the unique design of the album cover art. It’s contemporary African aesthetic perfectly fits the theme of the album. The piece honors the traditions and the rich history of South Africa while celebrating a national treasure. The ‘Supa Mega’ left his heart and soul on every single song. From the honesty in his song writing to the ear-pleasing melodies that rested on impeccable beats to unbelievable rhyme schemes, the legendary hit maker made sure that there was not one single song worth skipping on Mass Country.
Let’s look at the top five highlights of this masterpiece:
- Last Time
The album starts with Aka spilling poetic bars over a beautiful traditional Johnny Clegg sample. He interestingly introduced the world to his beloved nation by making references to some legendary South African moments like when Siphiwe Tshabalala smashed the ball in the corner of the net for the opening goal of the 2010 FIFA World Cup against Mexico. He also paid homage to local musical legends that paved the way for special artists like him.
His humor shone through on the song when he declared that “Nobody is too rich for Oros.” Another line that stood out was“Mega it’s a miracle, you came back from the dead” (Don’t you wish he could?)
- Lemons(Lemonade) (ft. Nasty C)
You likely to find yourself singing along to the words of the song when the beat comes on:
“Tracksuit Versace, pull out the set
Zip up the off white up to the neck
Call up the slay queens, pour out the Ace
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, baby
Ooh, ooh
The Stardust sample was recreated to perfection! Even Busta Rhymes would have been so proud of how his lines from “As I come back” was utilized.
One of the funniest moments of the song was this golden quotable by Nasty C, “Zaba Zaba Zaba Zai Zaba Zai
Always out the country I’m guess I’m a Zai Zai”
(We will surely need a baby language translator for this line! It sounds amazing on the flawless instrumental)
This radio smash hit will keep the vibe alive on dance floors for many years to come!
- Company (ft. KDDO)
It was exciting to hear another song from these two after their 2018 smash hit, “Fela in Versace” Their musicalchemistry is undeniable.
The song “Company” on this new album has such a catchy Afro beat vibe but it has the least likely lyrics to impress your wife! LOL. The song grows on one over time. After playing it a few time, you may find yourself chanting: “One girl not enough for me, two girls not enough for me, three girls not enough for me!”
- Dangerous (ft. Blxckie & Nadia Nakai)
This is a song of romantic passion, where The Supa Mega and Bragga embraced their uncontrollable, unapologetically loud and overwhelming feelings for each other while Blxckie can be heard singing on the chorus “I don’t see nobody else right now, just me and my baby.”
It would have been beautiful to see a music video to this song that really solidified the couple’s chemistry and broke the internet in the process.
- Diary (Anxiety)
Supa Mega shows listeners that he was human after all.
On this song, he candidly opened up to his diary about his struggles with anxiety and shared intricate details about one of the most challenging chapters of his life story. Despite the heaviness of the subject matter, the infectious beat somehow mysteriously makes you want to dance!
Kiernan Jarrad Forbes will forever be remembered for the barrels of Gold he gave the masses through his classic catalogue. His palpable energy will be sorely missed and his dedication to his daughter, Kairo was always so heart-warming to see.
As the South-African flag waves softly in the Capetonian wind, a son of the soil journeys on in another realm as the ‘Megacy’ continues to heal and seek solace in the perfect parting gift he left behind– Mass Country!
Long Live Supa Mega, Live Long!