This 14-track project immediately grabs attention with its opener, “The Kulture,” where Usimamane flexes his lyrical muscle over a fire beat produced by Sibusiso Gift Kunene. The album is packed with ambition, reflecting on his rise from the streets to stardom while delivering exactly the kind of sound that’s made him a standout name. His unique blend of rap, trap, and R&B melodies captures the grind and hunger of his background, connecting on a raw emotional level.
Production-wise, 20th: Days Before Maud leans heavily on trap influences. Heavy hitters like MashBeatz, Shane Jacobs, Mo.Rena, and Lungelo Msomi all contribute, each adding their own flavor to the mix, creating a sonic landscape that feels both futuristic and rooted in the South African hustle.
And if that’s not enough, the album comes stacked with a star-studded lineup. Usimamane called in some serious reinforcements, bringing in South African heavyweights like K.O, Nasty C, Okmalumkoolkat, Sjava, YoungstaCPT, ANATII, and more. It’s a who’s who of the local scene, adding to the album’s already undeniable energy.
It’s been a massive week for South African hip-hop fans. A-Reece just dropped his Kill the King mixtape, while Sizwe Alakine bent genres with his new album, blending hip-hop, kwaito, and amapiano. Yet, in the middle of all that noise, Usimamane’s 20th: Days Before Maud stands tall as a defining moment in the culture.
