Listen to ‘Clan Beats,’ an EP Produced by DJ Maphorisa Featuring Thandiswa Mazwai, Sjava, Madala Kunene, Sho Madjozi and More

DJ Maphorisa recently teamed up with the beer brand Castle Milk Stout to release an EP. The project, which is titled Clan Beats, pairs up contemporary with veteran South African musicians on four songs that explore identity. There are four South African ethnic groups represented in the project; Xhosa (Thandiswa Mazwai, Zolani Mkiva), Tswana (KB, Stoan), Zulu (Sjava, Madala Kunene), Tsonga (Sho Madjozi, Dr Sithole).

"I was really excited, it reminds us of our culture and stuff so I said, you know what, it's been a while. Even me I'm from the urban side so it made me want to know about my culture so it really was a dope thing to be a part of," Maphorisa was quoted as saying about his involvement in the project.

Clan Beats is worthy listen—a wide range of soundscapes accommodate equally varied delivery styles. Each contemporary artist is paired with a praise poet to deliver a song that celebrates their indigenous languages and culture through music. The project is being released in light of Heritage Month, the month of September in which South Africans are encouraged to celebrate their indigenous cultures every year.

Clan Beats saw artists perform over music that isn't necessarily their comfort zone. For instance, Sho Madjozi, who's' mostly known for rapping over gqom production, rides an amapiano beat on the song "Hi Bomba."

Clan Beats is entirely produced by DJ Maphorisa, one of the most prolific and diverse producers in the country. His recent forays into amapiano through the release of Scorpion King alongside Kabza De Small, have ensured to keep him in the zeitgeist. Clan Beats is yet another trick off Mpahorisa's sleeve.

Stream Clan Beats below: