Kharnju EP by Drega

South African artist Drega takes care of the superb third release on the fledgling label, All Electronic Music.

Photo by All Electronic Music

Real name Yanga Mzimkhulu Zodala, Drega hails from Dutywa, a small town in the Eastern Cape where he studied at art college. His love of art and design spills over into the well-crafted music he has made since 2015. Whether producing Afro-house or Gqom, he has a unique, proudly African sound that has seen him work with the likes of Zakes Bantwini, Babes Wodumo, and Mampintsha to name a few.

Now he goes solo and shines from the off with the superb "Kharnju EP". The opener "Ingqoko Ka Nonoh" immediately transports you into a spiritual sound world. The Afro drum patterns, chanting vocals, and rich percussion are all deft in design and perfectly atmospheric. The excellent "Amafu" features singer Nana Atta, whose expressive voice brings exquisite soul over deeper, more rolling, and hypnotic drums.

On the superb "Ingxaki Zinintsi", the mood becomes deeper still, but with darkness in the bass. The ever-evolving synth work takes you on a gentle rollercoaster through the scales as subtle vocal sounds add an unmistakable Afro twist. Closing out this hugely absorbing EP is "Embo", with another centerpiece vocal that opens the heart as dancing drums, twisted synths, and tribal percussion add up to a full flavor groove.

Drega - Kharnju EP
Release Date August 2021
Label All Electronic Music

Tracklist
1. Drega - Ingqoko Ka Nonoh
2. Drega Feat. Nana Atta - Amafu
3. Drega - Ingxaki Zinintsi
4. Drega - Embo