“Asylum” by Uncle Waffles

A dazzling amapiano release from a major South African star.

Hello! 😊👋

Welcome to a new edition of the Best Music of All Time newsletter!

Today’s music pick is a dazzling amapiano release from one of South Africa’s most prominent stars.

Genre: Amapiano, Electronic

Label: Encore

Release Date: March 31, 2023

Vibe: 💃💃

Amapiano, a strain of house music known for its synths, chant-worthy vocals, and deep, percussive bass lines, emerged from South Africa just as EDM was reaching its mainstream peak in North America. The 2020s have allowed it to blossom into a worldwide phenomenon, thanks in no small part to Uncle Waffles. The 23-year-old DJ rode the wave of viral video fame to a successful worldwide tour, a BBC residency, and, most important for readers of this newsletter, one of the best EPs of 2023.

That release, Asylum, delivers what all outstanding house records hang their hats on: world-class beats. She delivers them on her own terms, avoiding temptations to rush through build-ups and cheapen any sonic payoffs. The opener, “Sghubuhandro,” is an excellent example of how effective Waffles is at the slow burn. Minus some mild ululations that deepen the hypnotic quality of the groove, the track is nearly devoid of any spoken word. Instead, the log drums accents and powerful bass envelope you like few electronic cuts I heard in 2023. It’s a mesmerizing tone-setter.

Like many amapiano and Afrobeat records, Asylum is a collaborative effort, boasting 17 features across seven tracks. Tony Duardo, who previously fashioned Waffles’ hit “Tanzania,” is the most prominent voice among them. His influence on the EP’s biggest commercial success, “Yahyuppiyah,” pushes the young star into more experimental sonic territory. There’s more bounce to the central groove and greater emphasis on mystical-sounding vocal contributions, all while keeping the whole package grounded in a cool, confident energy. My favorite beat on the project is the underrated “SIs,” a winding, synth-infused creation that benefits from hearing it through a good pair of headphones.

For anyone with even a passing interest in dance grooves capable of putting you in a trance, Asylum is worth your time.

👉 Don’t forget to click the album image to stream the album on your favorite platform 👈